|
|
MILWAUKEE (12/20/2007) - The number of infant deaths related to an unsafe sleep environment, such as co-sleeping with parents or siblings, has increased, according to the Infant Death Center of Wisconsin. The holidays tend to further increase infant deaths because parents bring their babies to sleep with them or with other family members for convenience or to accommodate travel arrangements. Sleeping with a baby is especially dangerous when impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue.
Everyone who cares for a baby can provide a safe sleep environment by following these recommendations:
-Place the baby to sleep on his or her back for naps and bedtime.
-Use a firm crib mattress covered by a fitted sheet for safe sleep.
-Consider a portable play yard if a crib is not an option, and be sure to use only the mattress or pad provided by the manufacturer.
-Never place a baby to sleep on an adult bed. Infants can suffocate in bedding or can become entrapped between the mattress and bed frame or mattress and wall.
-Never place infants to sleep on air mattresses or other soft surfaces such as waterbeds and adult beds. These surfaces are too soft for sleeping infants to maintain a clear airway.
-Keep soft objects and loose bedding out of the crib. Pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys and other soft objects should be kept out of the baby's crib. They can be dangerous.
-Consider using a one-piece sleeper or other sleep clothing instead of blankets.
-Babies should not sleep in the same bed as their parent(s) or siblings. Have the baby sleep in a baby crib in the parent's bedroom or nearby.
-Don't have a baby younger than one month old spend a long time in a car seat or in a sitting device, especially if the car seat is not in a vehicle.
-Keep cigarette smoke away from a baby.
-Don't sleep with a baby on a couch or in an armchair.
-Make sure all who care for your baby (child care provider, relative, friend, babysitter, etc.) use these safe sleep recommendations.
Friends and family members of expectant parents can help create a safe sleep environment by giving gifts such as a one-piece sleeper, a crib that meets federal safety standards with a firm mattress and fitted mattress sheets. Other gift ideas include smoke alarms and batteries. The following items are not recommended, as they can be dangerous to babies: stuffed toys, comforters, quilts, heavy blankets, bumper pads, sheepskins, baby pillows and baby wedges.
Infant Death Center of Wisconsin staff members provide education and training programs for health care professionals, police and fire departments (first response teams) and the general community. IDCW coordinates efforts to improve infant health and reduce infant mortality.
The IDCW provides bereavement support to families who experience a sudden and unexpected infant death. For more information on regional offices or other information about sudden and unexpected infant death, visit www.idcw.org or call (414) 266-2743.
|
