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MILWAUKEE (7/17/2008) - According to the Infant Death Center of Wisconsin, the number of infant deaths related to an unsafe sleep environment, such as co-sleeping with parents or siblings, is on the rise. Thirty-seven infants died from unsafe sleeping arrangements between January 2008 and June 2008 in the state of Wisconsin.
"One of the most important things to do to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is to place babies in a safe sleep environment," according to Anne Harvieux, Infant Death Center of Wisconsin program administrator. "Parents, especially in the summer months, bring their babies to bed for convenience while they are traveling, which is dangerous and can result in death." Sleeping with a baby is especially dangerous when impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue.
According to Harvieux, everyone who cares for a baby can provide a safe sleep environment by following these recommendations:
- Always place a 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.
- Never place a baby to sleep on an adult bed. Infants can suffocate in bedding or become trapped between the mattress and bed frame or mattress and wall.
- Never place infants to sleep on air mattresses or other soft surfaces like waterbeds. They are not specifically designed or safe for infant use and are too soft for sleeping infants to maintain a clear airway.
- 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.
- Consider a portable play yard if a crib is not an option. Be sure to only use the mattress or pad provided by the manufacturer.
- Do not sleep with a baby on a couch or in an armchair.
- Keep soft objects and loose bedding out of the crib. Pillows, quilts, comforters, stuffed toys and other soft objects should be kept out of a baby's crib. All of these items can suffocate a baby.
- Consider using a one-piece sleeper or approved infant sleep clothing instead of blankets.
- Do not allow a baby to become overheated. If the area is comfortable for you, it should be comfortable for the baby. Never leave an infant in a closed car in the summer. Infants can become overheated very quickly.
- Don't have a baby younger than 1 month old spend a long time in a car seat or in a sitting device, especially if that car seat is not in a vehicle.
- Keep cigarette smoke away from a baby.
- Make sure all who care for a baby (child care provider, relative, friend, babysitter, etc.) follow 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 cabinet locks, outlet covers, 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, baby pillows and baby wedges.
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