The first year of parenthood is exciting, but stressful and can be scary for new parents. The risk of SIDS is a real issue and different sources have recommended various sleep scenarios for babies to have the best night’s sleep in the safest positioning possible.
A new study released by the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that for the first six months of life, and longer if possible (up to one year of age), infants should sleep in the same room as their parents – but in a crib, bassinette, or cradle – not actually in bed with the adults.
This recommendation is important for reducing the risk of SIDS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, as well as other factors that can cause suffocation while sleeping. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 3,500 deaths from SIDS and other sleep-related deaths occur in the U.S. every year. Most cases of SIDS occur when a baby is 6 months or younger, thus the recommendation for close proximity to parents during this high-risk period. This sleep scenario has been shown to lower the risk of SIDS by 50%. A significant finding.
Along with sleeping in the same room, the baby should be placed to sleep on his or her back, with no pillows, loose sheets, blankets, or anything else in the crib or sleeping area that could cause overheating or suffocation. The sleeping surface should be firm and any sheet should be tight-fitting.
Making this simple change can provide a world of peace of mind for new parents. The close quarters will allow parents to keep an eye on their infant and react swiftly if anything happens during the night.
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