New Safe Sleep Guidelines for Babies
Each year in this country, thousands of babies die suddenly and unexpectedly from unsafe sleep practices. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently released new safe sleep guidelines, so it’s a good time to refresh yourself on the importance of safe sleep for you and your baby.
Based on a review of nearly 160 scientific studies since 2015, the new recommendations include guidelines on inclined baby sleepers and positioners like hammocks, baby boxes, and in-bed sleepers, as well as the use of cardiorespiratory monitors.
The updated guidelines below can help reduce the risk of all sleep-related infant deaths such as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or accidental strangulation and suffocation. Please note: the recommendations are for infants up to 1 year of age, unless otherwise specified.
Infant Sleep Position
Back to sleep for every sleep until the child reaches 1 year of age.
Sleep Location and Bed Sharing
Use a firm, flat, sleep surface with no incline to reduce the risk of suffocation or wedging and entrapment. The AAP recommends that infants sleep in their parents’ room, close to the parents’ bed, but on a separate surface designed for infants, ideally for at least the first 6 months.
Evidence suggests that sleeping in the parents’ room but on a separate surface decreases the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%.
A firm crib, bassinet, or playpen mattress covered with a fitted sheet is the best sleeping surface. Never put a baby down to sleep on a sofa, waterbed, adult bed, car seat, bouncer, or swing.
Bedding and Weighted Blankets
It is recommended that weighted blankets, weighted sleepers, weighted swaddles, or other weighted objects not be placed on or near the sleeping infant. Rather, dress your infant in layers of clothing to keep them warm while reducing any chance of entrapment. Wearable blankets may also be used.
Sleeping in Car Seats
Car seats, strollers, swings, infant carriers, and infant slings are not recommended for routine sleep, says the AAP, particularly for infants less than 4 months of age. If your infant falls asleep in one of these devices move them to a crib or other appropriate flat surface. Also, keep in mind that car seats and similar products are not stable on any elevated surface. Never leave a baby unattended in a car seat or similar product.
Slings and Cloth Carriers
When using an infant sling or cloth carrier, ensure the infant’s head is up and above the fabric, the face is visible, and the nose and mouth are clear of obstructions.
Breastfeeding
Feeding of human milk is recommended, as it is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.
Overheating and Hats
Avoid infant overheating and head covering.
Infants should be lightly clothed for sleep and their bedroom temperature should be kept comfortable for an adult who is lightly clothed. The AAP does not recommend babies wear hats beyond the first few hours of life.
Swaddling
There is no evidence to recommend swaddling as a strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Swaddling is often used to calm an infant and encourage use of the supine position (face up, on their back). However, if the baby then rolls to their tummy, there is an increased risk of suffocation. When an infant starts to show signs that they are ready to roll, swaddling should no longer be used.
Pacifiers
Offering a pacifier at naptime and bedtime is recommended to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Monitoring Devices
Wearable heart rate and pulse oximetry monitoring devices are not recommended to reduce the risk of SIDS, since data is lacking. If used, continue to follow other safe sleep practices.
Tummy Time
The AAP recommends supervised, awake tummy time to foster infant development and lower the risk of positional plagiocephaly, which is a condition in which areas of an infant’s head develop a flattened shape and appearance.
Original source can be found here
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