As a parent, one of your top priorities is undoubtedly making sure that your baby is safe while she sleeps. Unfortunately, according to the New York City Administration for Children’s Services, more than 40 babies in NYC die each year because of preventable sleep-related injuries. Given these scary statistics, ACS has developed guidelines for parents called the ABCs of safe sleep: Infants should sleep Alone, on their Backs, in a safety-approved Crib.
October is also Safe Sleep Awareness Month. In addition to the ABCs, check out ACS’s further tips on making sure your baby sleeps safe and sound each night:
- Avoid bringing your baby into bed with you, even if you think it will keep the baby warmer.
- A baby must never sleep in an adult bed, on a couch or on a chair with anyone. Babies may suffocate if another person accidentally rolls on top of them or covers their nose and mouth.
- Keep soft objects, loose bedding, or any other items that could increase the risk of suffocation out of the baby’s sleep area. If you are worried about your baby getting cold, dress her in a wearable blanket, such as a sleep sack, or in another layer of infant clothing.
- Place babies on their backs to sleep. Babies breathe better on their backs than on their stomachs or sides.
- Put babies to bed in a flat, firm sleep surface with a fitted sheet made for that specific product. Though it might seem more comfortable to put a pillow on top of the mattress, babies may suffocate on the soft surface.
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All of these tips will give you more peace of mind when you put your baby down each night. For more information on how to make sure your baby has a safe sleeping environment, visit the Administration for Children’s Services website. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask! When it comes to your baby, it's always better safe than sorry.
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