By Kate Curry
I sort of remember those first few weeks of my daughter’s life: knowing that she needed to sleep, wondering how I could help her sleep, and being so happy when she seemed to be sleeping peacefully.
I also remember thinking that she should be sleeping in her bassinet but that she never seemed happy in there. She slept in the car, stroller, swing, and even in her Boppy. She really just slept anywhere that she felt like it.
It wasn’t perfect. I was a first time mom, and I felt like I was in survival mode. Seeing the Boppy recall made me reflect back on those initial days.
Yes, it would be best if an infant always slept in a space specifically designed for infants: bassinet or crib. That would be my recommendation: try to have a child sleep in a specifically designated safe sleep space as much as possible.
But I also know real life. Sometimes they fall asleep in other places. Sometimes you have to be on the go and they fall asleep. I think it’s important for parents to be informed before they make choices about their child.
So I would like to share some important safety info with you here:
“Safety is not an accident.”
One misconception I have seen is that SIDS is responsible for all infant deaths while sleeping. This is not true.
SIDS and Positional Asphyxiation are not the same.
SIDS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome. This is defined as the unexplained death of a child under 1 year old, usually while asleep. Research continues to be done to work on figuring out the causes of SIDS. A combination of physical and environmental causes can contribute to SIDS.
The exact cause of SIDS continues to be unknown. Taking safe sleep precautions (discussed below) can lower the chances of SIDS.
Positional Asphyxiation- when a baby cannot breathe because the position of the body blocks the airway.
- When the nose or mouth is blocked by something.
- When baby’s head is slumped over or chin is pressing on the chest so as to not allow enough airflow.
It is thought that some cases of SIDS do involve a lack of oxygen so in that way, there us some similarities.
But you can prevent positional asphyxiation by making sure that your baby is in a safe sleep environment and ALWAYS supervising your sleeping infant if you are unable to allow them to sleep in the usual safe sleep environment.
There are ways to help keep babies safe when they are in carriers.
Carseats:
- Make sure straps are appropriately tight: loose straps can trap infant’s head or neck
- Carseats should only be used in cars (I know waking a sleeping baby to move them to the crib may seem crazy but the carseats on not designed to be used for extended periods outside of the car).
- An adult should be able to see the child in the carseat
- Do not add extra pillows or blankets
- Make sure baby’s chin is up at all times.
Slings: (These are all the rage right now and they are a great way to comfort your baby, make them mobile, and actually have use of your hands! The baby is so close to you that you may be lulled into thinking that it has to be safe but there are precautions to take with these as well.)
- Continue to check on baby while wearing
- Slings that are too loose can cause the baby to slump and have difficulty breathing.
- Baby’s face should be “visible and kissable” so that you can see nothing is obstructing the airway
Swings, Strollers, Play mats, Beds, and All Other Places Babies Fall Asleep
- None of these are meant for infant sleep
- If your baby does fall asleep in them, move them to a designated safe sleeping space. (Again, I know this may seem ridiculous at first but babies can learn how to fall back asleep on their own, especially after some practice!)
- Supervise, supervise, supervise!
ABC’s of Safe Sleep – This is a simple way to remember the absolute basics of safe infant sleep. And believe me, when that little baby comes home and you are in the fog of those first few months with baby, you are going to want an easy way to remember these.
A – ALONE This is alone as in away from other people/animals as well as alone as in away from stuff.
If you’re anything like I was, you may have unrealistic ideas of babies snuggled in beautiful cribs, complete with crib bumpers, blankie, and a special stuffed animal. – NO. No to all of that.
- The crib should be bare: no blankets, stuffed animals, crib bumpers, loose clothing, loose swaddle, or anything that could obstruct the airway. Swaddling an infant who is unable to roll is fine, but make sure the swaddle cannot become undone and become a loose item.
- No animals in the crib, stuffed or otherwise. Even if your cat is super special (I understand, I’ve got one of those too), you cannot trust an animal to understand how to avoid accidentally sitting on the baby.
- No people in the crib or bed. It is recommended that babies have there own sleep space, yet share a room with a caregiver for at least the first 6 months. (I have also heard of parents that have crawled into the crib with a little one so I’ll just remind you here that it is not recommended).
B – BACK TO SLEEP. For the first year you should place your baby on his or her back every time you put them to sleep.
- A swaddled baby should always be on its back. If your child has started to roll, remove the swaddle.
- Even if your child can roll, continue to put them to sleep on their back.
- Give your child lots of tummy time during the day to strengthen the muscles needed to help them roll and pick up their heads from the mattress.
C- CRIB. As discussed in the beginning of this blog, a crib/bassinet is the safest place for your baby to sleep. The crib.bassinet should be in the parents room for at least the first 6 months.
These are the basics that every new parent or parent-to-be should be aware of. There are additional precautions that may also prevent SIDS (such as breastfeeding, not smoking). This is a good reference to learn more about the recommendations:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx
I wish I had known this information before having my daughter. Being knowledgable of the risks and learning how to ensure the safest sleep possible is essential for every new parent. You will never regret taking extra steps to ensure the safety of your child.