October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month: Let’s Help Keep Our Babies Safe While They Sleep
October is SIDS Awareness Month, and we are raising awareness about this heartbreaking and unexplained condition. SIDS refers to the sudden, unexpected death of a baby under one year old, often occurring during sleep. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, there are some important steps you can take to lower the risk and create a safe sleep environment for your little one.
Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:
- Back is best: Always put your baby to sleep on their back. This helps keep their airways clear and reduces the chance of suffocation.
- Choose a firm sleep surface: Make sure your baby’s crib has a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. Skip the soft bedding, like blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals, as these can pose risks to your baby.
- Room-share, but don’t bed-share: Keeping your baby in your room for the first year is great, but sharing your bed can increase the risk of suffocation. A separate sleep space, like a crib or bassinet, is safest.
- Avoid overheating: Dress your baby in light sleepwear and keep the room at a comfortable temperature to prevent overheating.
- Encourage tummy time: Babies should sleep on their backs, but when they’re awake, tummy time helps strengthen their muscles and prevent flat spots on their heads.
Want to learn more about SIDS and safe sleep practices? Join our Safe Sleep Education Classes! Sign up HERE.
By following these simple steps, you can create a safer sleep environment for your baby, giving you more peace of mind and reducing the risk of SIDS. Let’s spread awareness this October and protect our little ones! Have any questions? We’re here to help! Connect with us HERE.