Sleep Position
As many of you are aware, there has been a recent change in the recommendation for the best sleep position for our baby. A few years ago, doctors in some other countries including England, New Zealand, Australia and Norway began urging parents to place their babies on their backs or side to sleep instead of their stomachs. Some of these countries have reported a decrease of 50% in the number of infants dying of SIDS .
It is now believed that by having your baby sleep on his/her side or back, you may significantly reduce the risk of SIDS . If you have any questions about sleep position please talk with your provider at Pediatrix. Here are some other suggestions on how to provide a healthy sleep environment:
- Bedding: Make sure your baby is sleeping on a firm mattress or other firm surface. Don’t use fluffy blankets or comforters under the baby. Don’t let he baby sleep on a water bed, sheepskin, a pillow, or other soft materials. When your baby is very young, don’t place soft stuffed toys or pillows in the crib with him or her.
- Temperature: Babies should kept warm, but they should not be allowed to get too warm. Keep the temperature in your baby’s room so that it feels comfortable to you.
- Smoke-Free: Create a smoke-free zone around your baby. No one should smoke around your baby. Babies and young children when exposed to smoke have more colds and other upper respiratory tract infections, as well as an increased risk of SIDS .
- Enjoy Your Baby: Remember, most babies are born healthy and most stay that way! SIDS is rare and don’t let the fear of SIDS spoil your joy and enjoyment of having a new baby!