The danger of unsafe sleep settings for infants is in the news again this week. This time around, Consumer Reports has determined that 32 sleep-related infant deaths have been associated with a rocking sleeper device called the ‘Rock ‘n Play Sleeper.’ The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) urges parents to stop using the device immediately. The AAP does not recommend inclined sleep products such as the Rock ‘n Play, or any other products for sleep that require restraining a baby. The AAP advises against using car seats, strollers or other devices for sleep because of the risk that a baby could accidentally suffocate.
Tragically, nearly every other month on average, a baby in Orange County dies while sleeping in a setting that is not safe. Parents may wonder, “What is a safe sleep environment for my baby?” Fortunately, we have a strong collaborative of local stakeholders and health professionals called Safe Sleep Orange County. The group has produced a fact-based parent brochure in three languages that shows the safest way for babies to sleep in the first year. We are pleased to announce that the Orange County Health Care Agency has produced a new short video that shares this same useful information that is important for parents, grandparents and all of your baby’s caregivers to understand.
Remember, infants should ALWAYS be put to sleep on their backs and only in a safe crib, bassinet or play-yard. Never put an infant to sleep in an adult bed with you or anyone else. If you have questions about the safety of your baby’s sleep environment, ask your baby’s doctor or nurse practitioner.
