Baptist Tipton Is Committed to Infant Safe Sleep
Baptist Tipton is working to be officially recognized as an infant safe sleep hospital by the Cribs for Kids’ National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program. We are dedicated to the mission of educating parents and families on safe infant sleep practices to prevent sleep-related injuries, such as sudden unexpected infant death, sudden infant death syndrome and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed.
ABCD of Infant Safe Sleep
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), sudden unexpected infant death — including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) — is one of the leading causes of death in infants. The reassuring news is that the AAP has developed safe sleep guidelines that have helped significantly reduce the number of SIDS-related deaths.
Those recommendations are as easy to remember as ABCD:
- A — Alone: Your baby is safest sleeping in his or her own dedicated sleep space, such as a crib or bassinet. It’s best not to share a bed, as this can increase the risk of accidental suffocation or entrapment. Keeping your baby close — but in his or her own space — provides added protection while still allowing you to respond quickly to your baby’s needs.
- B — Back: Always place your baby on his or her back for every sleep — naps and nighttime. Back sleeping is the safest position and greatly reduces the risk of SIDS. Once your baby can roll on his or her own, you can allow your baby to find his or her own sleep position but always start on the back.
- C — Crib and surfaces: Choose a safety-approved crib, bassinet or play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a snug-fitting sheet. Try to avoid letting your baby sleep on couches, armchairs or other soft or inclined surfaces, such as swings or car seats (unless they’re being used for travel). A simple, firm surface is the safest place for sleep.
- D — Don’t overcrowd: Keep your baby’s sleep space clear and simple. Avoid adding loose blankets, pillows, stuffed animals or crib bumpers. A bare crib may not look cozy, but it creates the safest environment for your baby to rest and grow.
Creating a Safe Sleeping Environment for Your Baby
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers helpful guidance to support a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your baby. Following these recommendations can give you added peace of mind and help create a space where your baby can rest safely.
Room sharing: Keep your baby’s sleep area in the same room where you sleep for at least the first six months, but preferably for the first year. This is shown to decrease the risk of SIDS by 50%.
Feed your baby breastmilk: According to research, the longer you exclusively breastfeed your baby (meaning not supplementing with formula or solid food), the lower his or her risk of SIDS.
Wearable blankets: Instead of loose blankets, use a wearable blanket or sleep sack to keep your baby warm.
Smoke-free zone: Keep your infant's environment completely free of smoke, vaping, alcohol and illicit drugs.
Avoid overheating: Dress the baby in no more than one layer more than an adult would wear to sleep. Do not cover the baby's head or use hats during sleep.
Pacifiers: Offer a clean pacifier at naptime and bedtime to help reduce the risk of SIDS.
Learn More
Cribs for Kids offers new parents a wide range of resources to learn more about infant safe sleeping and what you can do protect your baby. Visit safesleepacademy.org, a free, online resource for anyone caring for an infant.