While working for the Department of Child Services, I was part of the team that investigated child deaths. Safe sleep is one safety practice that would benefit all parents and caretakers of infants. Best practices have changed over the years and we’ve seen dramatic improvements with these current recommendations.
Back is Best
For safe sleep, place your baby on his/her back. This is for all sleep times, naps as well as at night. An infant sleeping on his/her back is less likely to choke on vomit. And sleeping on their back also provides protection for their airway.
Should an infant ever be placed on their tummy? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, an infant may be placed on their tummy while awake and supervised. But, only for short periods of time, increasing to a total of only 15 minutes a day by 7 weeks old.
Flat and Firm
Make sure that the surface your infant sleeps on is flat (not at an incline) and firm. The best surface is a mattress in a safety approved crib. And remember that sitting devices such as car seats, strollers, swings, infant carriers and infant slings are not recommended for routine safe sleep. The reason is that a child’s head may fall forward and restrict air flow.
No Soft Bedding or Toys
Although they may be cute, for safe sleep, soft bedding (blankets, pillows and bumper pads) should not be in your baby’s crib while they are sleeping. Also keep soft toys out of baby’s sleep area. For safe sleep, it should be nothing but baby in the crib on a firm mattress with a fitted sheet.
Sleep Alone
Although you may share your room with your baby, never sleep in the same bed. Bed-sharing is one of the most common causes of death in babies. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the risks of death is 67 times higher when sleeping with someone on a couch or soft armchair or cushion. It’s especially dangerous for babies younger than 4 months.
About the Author
Amanda Resler is Executive Director of Choices Ohio and has more than 20 years of experience in leadership, nonprofit, and public service. Prior to coming to Choices, she spent 18 years working for the Indiana Department of Child Services. When she was the Local Office Director for DCS Marion County South, she fostered a positive work environment with a strong emphasis on employee engagement, developed initiatives that encouraged equity and inclusion, and improved outcomes for families and children. Amanda has worked on statewide initiatives and was responsible for overseeing Institutional Assessments across the state. She has mentored staff at all levels and has led teams in both urban and rural settings. Prior to DCS, Amanda worked with Impact recipients and domestic violence Victims.
Additional Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vital Signs Safe Sleep for Babies | VitalSigns | CDC
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Sleep Recommendations: American Academy of Pediatrics Updates Safe Sleep Recommendations: Back is Best (aap.org)