What do you think is the leading cause of fatal injuries to Florida children under the age of 5 years old? If you guessed drowning, you’re wrong.

Too many young children die from suffocation, the vast majority of whom are children under the age of 1 sleeping in an unsafe environment — either with an adult or with blankets, pillow or a soft mattress.

While many parents like to cuddle and breastfeed their babies in bed, the risk of infant death is 40 times higher when a child is sleeping with an adult.

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 all stuffed animals, bumpers or accessories.
• Lay your baby on his/her back to go to bed. Remember to remove a bib before putting your baby to bed.
• If you want to be near your baby, put the crib or bassinet in your room.
• Remember to always return your baby to the crib before going to sleep yourself.
• 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 is unsafe and 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 on safe sleeping, check out these 2016 recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The policy's 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 Home Safe at 561-383-9871.

SOURCES:

• Safe Kids Worldwide
• Florida Department of Children & Families