ABCs of Zs

   First Candle, the national infant health organization, has a new initiative, Bedtime Basics, which encourages safe sleeping practices.  Their most important message is that “room sharing is safer than bed sharing,” and want to remind parents of the ABCs of infant sleep: Alone on his Back in a Crib.  First Candle, formerly the SIDS Alliance, wants all babies to celebrate their first birthdays, and says a Safe Sleep Zone means:

—baby is on a firm mattress that is covered by a tight-fitting crib sheet.

—using a blanket sleeper instead of blankets to keep baby warm.

—a ban on soft of pillow-like bumpers and wedges.

—always place baby on her back for sleep.

   And don’t forget to follow these guidelines when traveling as well.

   For more information, go to www.firstcandle.org.