Saturday, 31 of July of 2010

Does your baby SLEEP safe?

Does your baby sleep safe? New research has shown us ways to help our babies sleep much safer. As a result of the new suggestions the SIDS rate has dropped in half. That means that 5000 less babies die a year now. SIDS prevention safety tips.

SLEEP SAFE TIPS:

1. BACK ONLY – Put the baby down on his/her back every time. When baby rolls over by themselves it is fine. However still start them on their back. Even with a SIDS monitor it is not safe for them to sleep on their tummy.

2. BINKY – Put baby to sleep with a binky. This has shown to reduce the SIDS rate too. Start with 1 style of binky and use after every feed in the beginning weeks. Some get it quickly, others learn it with time. I prefer sylicone symmetrical “mam” shaped pacifiers.

3. SWADDLE – Use a swaddle blanket that has closures (velcro) so hands pushed up can not put blanket over their face. At age 5-6 months or when they roll over start swaddling 1 arm out. A few weeks later swaddle body but leave both arms out.

4. SLEEP SACK – When finished with swaddle use a sleep sack, not blankets. Layer as needed for warmth with sleep sack the last item.

5. NO BLANKETS – No blankets or quilts in the bed until 12 months old. Then one crib quilt with the bottom tucked under the edge of mattress so it can not be pulled over the face.

6. NO STUFFED ANIMALS – At age 6 months you may add 1 small Taggie or lovie or small stuffed animal.

7. FAN – Use a fan in their room when sleeping (box fan toward wall or ceiling fan). This has found to reduce SIDS too.

8. SWITCH POSITION – Each night switch which end their head is at. It helps develop their neck muscles as they look out the crib rails from both sides.

9. MOTION MONITORMotion SIDS Monitors provide great peace of mind. Do not think these make it ok to put the baby on their stomach. Only use with baby on back. It will not prevent SIDS but alerts to issues. It can startle a baby with apnea to breathe at times according to reviews.

10. CRIB ONLY – In a safe approved crib or playpen only with tight fitting mattress. Do not put your child on a regular bed unsupervised. A 9 month old rolled and suffocated against wall on grandma’s bed last year. When traveling take a pack n play with you. Remove BUMPER PADS when baby can roll into them or stand up.

11. TODDLER BED – Do not move your child to a toddler bed or twin bed until at least 18-24 months old. And then be sure to use a gate at their door so you know they stay there. Also use furniture brackets to attach the furniture in their room to the wall so they are safe. And use a bed rail in the early days of sleeping in a big bed.

The use of these tips can help your child sleep safer. I read that the use of back sleeping, fan, binky, and no quilts can reduce SIDS rate by 75%. Let do all we can to help our babies sleep safe.


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Comments RSS TrackBack 9 comments

  • HappyHermit

    in March 21st, 2009 @ 01:58

    Thanks for being @ the party have a wonderful PARTY DAY !!

    When I first Started out with babies I wondered about all these things , and I also wondered about Native American Cradle Boards , they are pretty much the same as the supports , just portable as well.


  • Tracy

    in March 21st, 2009 @ 16:45

    Thank you for this posting! I am a new foster care mom, and I can use all of the safety tips I can get my hands on.


  • Elizabeth

    in March 22nd, 2009 @ 20:37

    I recently read a couple of articles in a few parenting magazines warning against sleep positioners for babies who are able to turn themselves over. Just thought maybe that clause should be added.


  • Anonymous

    in April 7th, 2009 @ 20:19

    it is true. SIDS Organizations and the American Academy of Pediatrics DO NOT recommend Sleep postitioners.AT ALL. EVER. remove them from the crib immediately.


  • Samantha

    in May 8th, 2009 @ 15:55

    Thanks for the tips. These symptoms to watch out for in children are really helpful. My husband was diagnosed with sleep apnea a year or two ago and I have heard that it often runs in families. I am a little bit concerned that our children might have it as well. Now I know more about what to look for.


  • zoemarsh

    in May 12th, 2009 @ 16:33

    My daughter uses a sleep-pod from Mamas and Papas (I live in the UK) and I think this is one of the best things I have bought.

    As a newborn, no matter how tight I swaddled her, she managed to wriggle out then woke in the night as she was cold.

    Now she can roll around as much as she wants and does not get cold. Also, I do not need to worry about her pulling the blanket over her face.


  • Pearl

    in May 22nd, 2009 @ 18:55

    We had problems transitioning our baby from the swaddle (and I needed to after finding it all wrapped up by his neck one night.) We got a sleep sack that is specifically for weaning / transitioning baby from swaddling called a Peke Moe (http://www.pekemoe.co.nz) it was great as we didn’t need any other blankets in the bed, and because it’s attached and fits the baby, there was a way less risk of SIDS than using blankets. He loved it and was in it till over 14months old!!!


  • breastfeeding advice

    in August 16th, 2009 @ 09:11

    Breast milk is one power packed liquid. It offers more for your baby than formula, or any other scientific creation for that matter. As you begin to plan for the future of your baby, make a commitment to breast feeding him for as long as you possibly can – as it will do both your bodies well


  • babies sleeping

    in April 3rd, 2010 @ 23:06

    I have looked at many sites and not come across such a site as yours that tells everyone everything they need to know. I have added you to my bookmarks.