Infant Safe Sleep

Does your baby sleep in a safe place?

According to the CDC, there are over 3,500 sleep-related deaths among US babies each year, 22% of mothers reported not placing their baby on his or her back to sleep, and 39% of mothers reported using soft bedding when placing babies to sleep.

Safe sleep lowers the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation, and deaths from unknown causes.

Follow these safe sleep tips to help protect your baby:

• The safest place for your baby to sleep is in the room where you sleep, but not in your bed.
• Never place babies to sleep on adult beds, chairs, sofas, waterbeds, pillows, cushions or soft surfaces.
• Dress your baby in sleep clothing, such as a sleep sack, and do not use a blanket.
• Avoid letting the baby get too hot.Keep room temperatures in a range comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.
• Infants should receive all recommended vaccinations.
• Breastfeeding is recommended to help to reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Avoid smoke exposure during pregnancy and after birth. Place the crib in an area that is always smoke free.
• Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended daily to facilitate development.
• Consider using a pacifier at nap time and bed time, once breastfeeding is well established.
• Talk to those who care for your baby, including child care providers, family, and friends, about placing your baby to sleep on his back for every sleep.
• Obtain regular prenatal care to reduce the risk of SIDS even before birth.
• Avoid alcohol and illicit drug use during pregnancy and after birth.

Mercer County Health District offers free portable cribs to those who qualify.  The requirements are:

• Proof of WIC, Medicaid or other Assistance
• 32+ Weeks Pregnant or
• Infant no older than 10 months
• Parents Only—Not Available for Caregivers
• Learn about Safe Sleep

To schedule an appointment, call 419-586-2351 ext. 1270.

For more educational information, visit ODH Infant Safe Sleep.