By Miranda Gonzalez, BSN, RN
Ask any new mother what she would do with a day to herself, and likely one of the top answers would be sleep. Most women who are blissfully awaiting the arrival of their first baby realize there will be an adjustment in sleep; however, many underestimate the extraordinary demands a newborn can place on new parents. The last thing that any mother wants to worry about is their baby’s safety while they’re sleeping.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recognizes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) as the number one cause of death in the nation for babies 1-12 months of age. According to several leading SIDS experts, mothers are more vulnerable to making decisions that place their babies in unsafe situations when they are exhausted and uninformed regarding recommendations on how to help keep their baby safe. Following is a summary of the 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement for safe sleep.
- Firm Mattress. It is important for your baby to have good support while they sleep. The mattress your baby sleeps on should not be soft or squishy.
- Separate Sleep Area. Although you may be tempted to snuggle with your baby in bed, sharing a sleep area is not recommended. Breastfeeding in bed, especially at night, is acceptable. Just make sure you or your partner is alert enough to return your baby safely to their bed.
- Careful Selection of Bedding. Provide a clutter free sleep area for your baby. View every loose object in your baby’s bed as a potential risk for suffocation. Blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, bumper pads, wedges and loose clothing can all move around in the sleep area with your baby and have the potential to block your baby’s airway.
- Clothing. Choose clothing carefully to provide necessary warmth, but be careful not to overdress your baby. A good way to do this is by simply adding one additional layer to your baby’s clothing, for example a onesie.
- Sleep Position. The safest sleep position for your baby is on their back. Always position your baby this way whenever they sleep.
- Smoke Free Spaces. Tobacco smoke is harmful to your baby even before they are born. Protect your baby from the smoke of others and never allow anyone to smoke in areas where your baby is present.
- Use a Pacifier. Allow your baby to use a pacifier during sleep if they want to. Breastfeeding moms should think about waiting until you have developed a good feeding pattern. Giving a pacifier too early can lead to difficulty with breastfeeding.
- Breastfeed. Breastfeeding will help protect your baby from SIDS.
- Keep Appointments with Providers. Make it a point to get good medical care throughout your pregnancy. Take your baby for appointments as recommended by their health care provider. This helps ensure your baby is growing well and staying healthy, and gives you an opportunity to ask questions and receive education.
- Vaccination. Vaccinations help provide immunity to unnecessary and potentially deadly childhood diseases and infections. Following the recommended vaccine schedule lowers your baby’s SIDS risk.
Following these recommendations can help ensure that you and your baby have the most restful and safe sleep possible. Don’t underestimate the important role you play in protecting your baby from SIDS. For further information on this topic please consider reviewing guidelines published by the American Academy of Pediatrics or have an open discussion with your baby’s health care provider.
Miranda Gonzalez is a registered nurse currently working on her Master’s Degree at ISU. She will graduate from the Family Nurse Practitioner Program in May.
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