Keep your new baby safe & learn about SIDS.
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Have you ever heard parents or grandparents say something like this: Forget what that doctor says, they’re just here to make money! Who cares about guidelines, my family has been doing this for generations and we are all just fine. Did you know that according to the APA (American Academy of Pediatrics) only about half of the infants in the United States are put to bed in a way that’s based on recommended guidelines?
To tell the truth SIDS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is a real issue. Fortunately, because of education it is falling but we have a lot more work to do.
If you’re a new parent, it pays to know how to learn to protect your baby as early as possible just as much when they’re sleep as you would when they’re awake.
Here are a few thoughts that may help guard your baby against SIDS. Keep in mind these are merely opinions based on commonly found information. Since, however, nothing is a perfect science we must remember the more education we get the better our chances are. Always consult your physician, behavioral health or legal specialists for professional advice.
- Remember back to sleep. Lying on their back is the safest position for an infant because their breathing won’t be blocked by having their face against the mattress. Put your baby on their back, even if they’re lying down for just a few minutes.
- Let their crowning glory shine. Forget about night caps or hats. It’s best to keep everything away from your baby’s face.
- Chill out. Babies aren’t so great at regulating body temperatures at first but they learn very quickly. Overheating, however can also contribute to SIDS. Check with your doctor about your babies’ best sleepwear and remember there are lots of flame retardant clothing to choose from.
- Watch the blankie. Covers can come loose and twist around a baby or make them too warm. If you think a blanket is necessary, talk with your doctor about how to swaddle correctly.
- De-clutter the crib. There are a lot of cute baby toys that you’ll see on display at stores but it’s better to keep them out of the crib unless you have a medical reason to do son and your doctor approves it. Be careful about things like pillows, bumpers, and stuffed toys. You want to minimize the risk of your baby choking or being smothered.
- Did you hear breast is still best? In addition to all the other benefits, babies who breastfeed are less likely to experience SIDS according to research. It’s a good practice for you and your baby when you can help mom breastfeed or in the case of same partner relationships, there may be times when the biological mom has frozen milk for the baby. This truly a personal choice.
- Immunizations count. Though there are several school of thoughts on immunizations, it’s best to get all of the facts from your doctor. The CDC is doing more and more research on any links between immunizations and SIDS. When you do immunize, make sure to watch for signs and symptoms of reaction as outlined in documents you’ll get from your pediatrician and act fast if you are concerned for immediate treatment.
- Watch out for bed sharing! Some families believe in co-sleeping. There are many commercially recognized safe co-sleeping items you can buy that can help if this is your’ family’s style. Be careful otherwise because someone could roll over on a baby and this is very dangerous. Some are heavy sleepers so please be careful
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions & get help. As a new worker you’d ask for help right? Well as a new parent you are responsible for a new life and it’s ok to ask about what you don’t know or are unsure of. Take advantage of the experience and assistance doctors and others. Let your family know what you need and seek out the support of other parents.
Since babies spend more time asleep than awake, it’s up to you to keep them snug and secure while they snooze. Your children will get a head start on growing up healthy, and you’ll sleep better, too, knowing that you’ve taken every precaution against SIDS.
Photo: Joan Campderros-i’-Canas/Flickr
I had to stop swaddling my little guy after a couple of months, because my baby boy stopped liking it. I switched to a swaddle transition blanket called Zipadee-Zip, which actually worked even better than the swaddle for us. This wearable blanket allowed us to stop co-sleeping which helped us in finally getting normal sleep again. We bought ours on the website http://www.SleepingBaby.com
Hey Johnny B! I bought the Zipadee-zip specifically because this wearable blanket suit does not have xra material that would pose the risk of wrapping around my son’s face/neck. The Zippy gives me such a sense of protection and peace, in addition to sleep!
I totally declutter the crib! My son practically sleeps in his zippy and not much else. I have heard so much about SIDS that as a first time dad, I am honestly a little paranoid. The Zippy is perfect for my son and his sleep times increase because of it.
Hey JohnnyB and Aleasa thanks for this great article and for the recommendation of the Zippy! We used to co-sleep with my LO up to around four months and eventually I just was not getting enough rest and needed to have him sleep in his own crib. I just ordered a Zippy as I have heard great things about this sleep sack. Anyone else used a Zippy from Sleeping Baby before?
I now do not allow my son to sleep in the same bed as me and my wife! What we ended up doing was purchasing a swaddle blanket a Zipadee-zip from Sleeping Baby. My little guy sleeps about an extra two hours a night! The suit is cut in a wingshape and it is taught so it gives his arms and legs resistance that soothes him. There is also no loose flappy material so I do not worry about the sleeping suit covering his face.