Blog

Create a Safe Sleep Area for Your Baby

By October 17, 2022 No Comments

Although the rates of unexplained sudden death in infants (sometimes called sudden infant death syndrome [SIDS] or sudden unexplained/unexpected infant death [SUID]) have decreased over the past couple decades, about 3,500 sleep-related deaths still occur each year in the U.S. Recent research shows that unsafe bedding, such as loose blankets in the sleep area, remains a leading factor associated with infant death.

Although the exact causes of unexplained sudden death in infants are often unknown, the risk can be reduced by creating a Safe Sleep Environment:

Figure 1 Safe Sleep for Your Baby, from https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/resources/providers/downloadable/infographic_vertical, accessed 10/17/2022

Other recommendations to reduce the risk of unexplained sudden death are:

  • Breastfeed your baby.
  • Offer your baby a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.
  • Do not smoke during pregnancy or allow others to smoke around your baby.
  • Do not drink alcohol or use illegal drugs during pregnancy.
  • Avoid putting hats on your baby when indoors to avoid overheating.
  • Give your baby “tummy time” for short periods of time while awake and someone is watching them.
  • Make sure your baby receives routine immunizations.

Make sure everyone who cares for your baby knows about these ways to reduce the risk of unexplained sudden death and other sleep-related infant deaths.

For more information:

Translate