Adobe PDF Pub. 5002 (266k) Also available in Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Arabic.
What you need to know to keep your baby safe while sleeping.
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) reminds parents and
caretakers to check that it is "Safe to Sleep" when putting infants to bed to prevent infant
deaths.
Each year, OCFS issues fatality reports on infants who die as a result of suspected child Abuse or maltreatment. OCFS has identified a disturbing number of fatalities involving the sleeping arrangements of infants. These involved cases of infants sleeping alone in unsafe surroundings as well as infants sleeping with other persons, including their parents or other household members. In an effort to alert parents to the dangers identified in those cases, OCFS makes the following "Safe to Sleep" recommendations:
Helpful Tips for Safe Sleep
- Place the baby with his/her feet at the foot of the crib. The blanket should reach no higher than his chest and the ends and sides of the blanket should be tucked firmly under the mattress.
- Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, even for naps, unless your doctor tells you differently.
This is the safest sleep position for a healthy baby to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Make sure your baby's face and head stay uncovered during sleep.
Keep objects away from your baby's mouth and nose. Dressing the baby in appropriate sleep clothing will avoid having to use any covering over the baby.
- Check to see that the bedding for your baby is safe.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a firm sleep surface or a child-safe crib that is free of soft objects or loose bedding that could entrap or smother the baby.
Infants should not be put to sleep on waterbeds, sofas, chairs, or other unstable surfaces. Infants may suffocate if they become wedged between the cushions of a sofa, caught in a bed frame, or caught between a bed frame and the mattress or wall.
- Remove soft, fluffy and loose bedding and stuffed toys from your baby's sleep area.
- Don't let your baby get too warm during sleep.
Your baby's room should be at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult.
- Make sure everyone who cares for your baby knows to place your baby on his or her back to sleep.
Talk to child care providers, grandparents, babysitters and all caregivers about SIDS risk.
- Do not allow smoking around your baby.
Don't smoke before or after the birth of your baby.
- Be careful about sleeping with infants, especially on small surfaces.
A small sleeping area and the sharing of that space with one or more adults or siblings increases the risk of the infant becoming entrapped in bedding or smothered during the shifting that may occur during sleep.
- Consider the risks of sleeping with you baby if you've been using alcohol or drugs.
Alcohol and drug use may cause deeper sleep that can lead to decreased awareness of the infant and the sleeping environment, thus increasing the risk of overlay or entrapment. Parents on prescription medication are advised to observe warnings and follow directions for taking the medication to avoid co-sleeping mishaps. If parents have any questions about the effects of their prescription medication, they should contact their doctor.
- Take care if you're overtired.
Overtiredness may cause parents to fall asleep while holding or breastfeeding their infant, only to have the baby slip beneath them or down into the chair or bed frame. The AAP says mothers who choose to breastfeed their infant in bed should take care regarding such risks. As an alternative to bed sharing, the AAP suggests that parents consider placing the infant's crib near their bed to allow for more convenient breastfeeding, parent contact, and for the return of the infant to the crib after feeding.
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) recommends infants be put to sleep on their backs - "Back to Sleep." This advice is intended to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Is there a risk of choking when my baby sleeps on his or her back?
No, babies automatically swallow or cough up fluids. Doctors have found no increase in choking or other problems in babies sleeping on their backs.
- What about side sleeping?
To keep your baby safest when he or she is sleeping, always use the back sleep position rather than the side position. Babies who sleep on their sides can roll onto their stomachs. A baby sleeping on his or her stomach is at a greater risk of SIDS.
Some infants may have health conditions that require them to sleep on their stomachs.
If you are unsure about the best sleep position for your baby, be sure to talk to your doctor or nurse.
- Will my baby get "flat spots" on his or her head from back sleeping?
For the most part, flat spots on the back of the baby's head go away a few months after the baby learns to sit up. "Tummy time," when your baby is awake, is one way to reduce flat spots. Another way is to change the direction you place your baby down to sleep. Doing this means the baby is not always sleeping on the same side of his or her head. If you think your baby has a more serious problem, talk to your doctor or nurse.
- Are there times when my baby can be on his or her stomach?
Yes, place your baby on his or her stomach for "tummy time," when he or she is awake and someone is watching. When your baby is awake, tummy time is good because it helps your baby's neck and shoulder muscles get stronger.
A Message for Service Providers
The New York State Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) wishes to raise awareness among child welfare professionals about the importance of educating parents about infant safe sleeping. The safety of sleeping arrangements should be part of an overall evaluation of home safety. OCFS recommends that service providers review with families both the risks associated with unsafe sleeping practices and the tips on safe sleeping provided in this brochure to help reduce the incidence of infant sleeping fatalities and promote child safety and well-being.
Contact Information
New York State Office of Children & Family Services
Capital View Office Park
52 Washington Street
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Visit our website at:
www.ocfs.state.ny.us
For child care, foster care, and adoption information, call:
1-800-345-KIDS
To report child abuse and neglect, call:
1-800-342-3720
For information on the Abandoned Infant Protection Act, call:
1-866-505-SAFE
For information about services for the blind, call:
1-866-871-3000
1-866-871-6000 TDD
"...promoting the well-being and safety of our children, families, and communities..."
Pub. #5002 (03/06)
