- Health
- Parenting
- Safety
Safe sleeping arrangements can save your baby's life
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.
If you need help providing your baby a safe place to sleep, please contact HomeSafe at 561-383-9800.
SOURCES:
You May Also Like
-
- Health
- Other
- Parenting
Is breast really best? . . . Breastfeeding vs. formula feeding
Breastfed babies have a strengthened immune system, fewer allergies, fewer ear infections, less risk of sudden infant death syndrome, better body/mass index and less respiratory il …
Read More -
- Health
- Parenting
- Safety
How to create a safe sleep environment for your baby
Creating a safe sleeping environment for your baby can be a little confusing. This short video may help. …
Read More -
- Behavior
- Education
- Parenting
BLOG: Don't believe the myth of not consoling your crying baby
It is absolutely OK to pick up crying babies, especially when they're very young. Crying means they need comforting and to feel secure in their environment. …
Read More
Related resources
-
- Health
- Safety
Florida Department of Health
Safe Sleep Q&A – provides answers to caregivers' questions about the best way to put babies to sleep to prevent infant death
850-245-4465 Website Email -
- Parenting
- Safety
Florida SIDS Alliance
Sudden infant death syndrome information, referral, support and educational programs
800-743-7352 Website Email -
- Other
- Parenting
- Safety
Florida Department of Children and Families
Safe Sleep — information on how babies should sleep properly to prevent infant death
Website Email -
- Health
- Parenting
American Academy of Pediatrics
HealthyChildren.org, a parenting website with children's health and development information, backed by 67,000 pediatricians
630-626-6000 Website Email -
- Parenting
- Safety
Safe Kids Palm Beach County
Local child safety information and assistance, including car seat installation, helmet fitting, poisoning prevention, TV tip-over prevention and more
561-841-3500 Website Email -
- Parenting
- Safety
Safe Kids Worldwide
National resources to protect children from preventable injuries
202-662-0600 Website Email