Safe sleep habits for babies are preventive measures against the occurrence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome ( SIDS ).
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby less than one year of age, usually during sleep. Although the exact cause remains unknown, research has identified several factors that can increase or decrease the risk.
Factors that Decrease the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome ( SIDS )
- Avoid co-sleeping: The whole idea of placing babies on the same bed space as parents is highly dangerous. Other people could roll over and suffocate the baby. There is no justifiable excuse to place a baby to sleep on the same bed space with other people. It’s true, a baby is so tender and needs to be monitored easily but this can be done in a separate baby crib or bassinet.
- Place babies on their back to sleep: Side position or tummy down positions are to be discouraged in babies. When babies sleep on their back, their airway is clear and it is easier to breathe. Once they begin to roll over, return them to sleep on their back.
- Place babies on flat and firm mattresses or surfaces: Reclined surfaces are not safe for babies to sleep on. If babies fall asleep in their gears such as their swing or car seat, quickly transfer them to a flat and firm mattress or surface.
- Keep baby sleep space free from loose blankets, stuffed animals and toys, pillows or bumpers. These items could cause strangulation or suffocation.
- Avoid smoking around a baby. Take a walk away from the baby zone whenever you need to smoke.
- Maintain a comfortable room temperature:
Dress baby according to the room’s temperature, do not over dress or under dress the baby. - Studies have shown breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS, especially when continued for several months.
Myths About Baby Sleep
- Myth: Babies sleep better on their stomachs. Fact: Babies should sleep on their back but should have supervised tummy time while awake. Tummy time strengthens neck and shoulder muscles, it also helps prevent flat head syndrome and supports motor development.
- Myth: Pillows make babies more comfortable. Fact: Babies do not need to elevate their heads, they are comfortable on a flat and firm surface.
- Myth: A baby can choke when sleeping on their back. Fact: Do well to burp babies properly before putting them down.
- Myth: Bed-sharing is the safest way to bond. Fact: Bonding can happen every other time. Keeping baby to sleep in a separate sleep space also encourages independence and self soothing skills which are necessary for sleep training.