What do you think is the leading cause of fatal injuries to Florida children younger than 5?

If you guessed drowning, you’re wrong.

Too many young children die from suffocation, and the vast majority is younger than 1 sleeping in an unsafe environment, either with an adult or with blankets, a pillow or a soft mattress.

While you may like to cuddle and breastfeed your baby in bed, the risk of infant death is 40 times higher when your child sleeps with you.

FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO KEEP YOUR BABY SAFE:

• Babies should always sleep in a safe crib, bassinet or Pack ’n Play with a firm mattress and tight-fitting sheet. Adult beds, couches, chairs, waterbeds and other furniture aren't safe for babies to sleep in.
• Remove stuffed animals, bumpers or accessories.
• Lay your baby on his/her back to go to bed. Remember to remove their bib.
• Put the crib or bassinet in your room if you want to be near your baby.
• Remember to return your baby to the crib before you fall asleep.
• Check to see if your crib meets federal safety standards. If a can of soda fits between the slats, that means a child’s head could too.
• If the crib has a side that drops down, it has been recalled by the federal government because a baby can get trapped in the slats and suffocate.
• Never place a crib near windows, draperies, blinds or wall-mounted decorative accessories with cords.
• Talk about safe sleeping with anyone who cares for your baby, such as grandparents, babysitters and others.

For additional advice, check out these recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The guidelines' goal is to protect babies from sudden infant death syndrome and other sleep-related deaths.

If you need help providing your baby a safe place to sleep, please contact HomeSafe at 561-383-9800.

SOURCES:

• Safe Kids Worldwide
• Florida Department of Children & Families