About Safe Sleep and SIDS Awareness Month

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), thousands of babies pass away from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in the United States each year. While sudden, unexpected infant death rates have dropped since the 1990s, they continue to impact families across the country—particularly Black and Native America/Alaska Native people.

To reduce this tragic issue and promote healthier sleeping habits for infants, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development established October as Safe Sleep and SIDS Awareness Month as part of their Safe to Sleep campaign. Safe to Sleep efforts have helped decrease SIDS significantly since starting in 1994, but there is still much work to be done to prevent infant death.

Parents can take steps to ensure their newborns stay safe while sleeping. American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following tips for lowering infant sleep-related deaths:

• Place the baby on their back every night (no need to roll them back if they turn to their stomachs).
• Provide the baby with a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress and a taut sheet.
• Keep the crib or bassinet in the parent’s room for the first six to 12 months.
• Clear the sleep surface of pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or other objects that may harm the infant.
• Verify the infant is not too hot while sleeping.
• Avoid bringing the baby into a regular bed except to feed or comfort them.
• Do not let the infant sleep on an armchair, couch, or sofa.
• Avoid smoking during pregnancy and after birth.
• Breastfeed the baby, if possible.

Seek Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at Memorial Healthcare

Infants, children, and teens, who are located throughout Shiawassee County area and its surrounding areas, can experience compassionate, comprehensive care at Memorial Healthcare. The dedicated providers and staff collaborate with patients, residents, and leaders in the communities to continually update service offerings. Contact us today to learn more about pediatrics.