October is Safe Sleep and SIDS Awareness Month, serving as a reminder for parents and caregivers that the wrong sleep setup can put babies in danger. Twila Perkinson, one of the Certified Family Life Educators at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, offers tips and key identifiers of safe sleep practices.
What is safe sleep and why is it important?
“Safe sleep is ensuring that they will wake up and we want to make sure we're using the right techniques and making sure we can avoid any trouble spots. When you're putting your baby down to sleep, whether it is in the evening or whether it's even just nap time in the day, make sure you remember your ABCs. We want your baby Alone, on their Back, in the Crib. Those are the key elements to remember for each time that you lay your child down to sleep,” said Perkinson.
- Use a firm sleep surface: Use a firm, flat and level sleep surface, like a crib, bassinet or play yard that meets safety standards. Babies should not sleep in baby swings, rock-and-plays, bouncers or baby car seats.
- Clear the sleep area: Ensure there is only a fitted sheet on the mattress. Keep your baby's sleep space free of any soft objects, bumpers or loose bedding. No pillows, blankets or toys.
What about co-sleeping with baby?
“One of the things that we do not recommend is for you to share a bed with your baby. No co-sleeping. It's better to share a room where you have two individual beds, whether you have a bassinet or crib, you need to have a different sleep space for your baby. It’s important that their sleeping space is separate from the parent's bed. I know sometimes as a parent you want to have your child with you, but we encourage you not to sleep with them upright in the chair. We encourage you not to sleep with them on the couch or even having them to lie down on the couch when you're in the kitchen doing the dishes. Making sure that sleep safe surface is always there that you're providing for your child,” said Perkinson.
What about temperatures and clothing?
"Some of the things that are important to remember is not to have your room temperature too warm. If you as an adult would not want to have three blankets on, make sure that you're having your room the right temperature for your baby as well and it's a firm surface that your baby's sleeping on, not any extra blankets, not anything that would be a hindrance or cause trouble with their breathing. There are certain things that are manufactured specifically for safe sleep. And those would include a swaddle. They could include just a thin blanket to do the swaddling with. Or there are sleep sacks that you can use for a little bit older children," said Perkinson.
Additional tips for safe sleep?
"Some of the other things to consider when you want safe sleep for your child would be to refrain from smoking in the house, using a pacifier if needed, and making sure that when your child is about two months old, starting potentially to roll over, that you're no longer swaddling them. At that time, your child should be ready to move to a sleep sack, which would offer them the ability to move and to roll, and it would keep them safer," said Perkinson.
- Breastfeeding can also help reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Encourage "tummy time" and supervise your baby while they are awake to give them some tummy time to help build their upper body strength.
Find parenting resources and learn about children's health services at Avera
