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October was Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. The Chautauqua County Health Department reminded parents and caregivers that safe sleep practices can help protect babies and save lives.
The state Department of Health reports that more than 120 infants die each year in New York state from sleep-related causes, including SIDS. Following safe sleep steps can lower the risk and help babies sleep safely.
"Safe sleep awareness month serves as a reminder to not allow infants to sleep with parents or caregivers," said Dr. Michael Faulk, Chautauqua County Health Department chief medical officer and coroner physician. "Infants cannot roll over or uncover blankets from their face, placing them at greater risk of suffocation. As a dad of five kids myself, I personally understand the motivation or temptation to co-sleep with an infant, but this practice has resulted in tragic consequences right here within our own county."
Tips include:
– Babies should sleep in their own safe sleep space, without other people, pets or loose items.
– Place babies on their backs for naps and nighttime sleep. Give babies supervised tummy time when they are awake.
– Use a safety-approved crib, bassinet or play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet. Keep blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, crib bumpers and other soft items out of the sleep space.
– Smoke-free home: Removing smoke from the home will decrease the risk of toxins getting into their system and the risk of SIDS
A wearable sleep sack can help keep a baby warm without using loose blankets.
"We want every family to have the information they need to help their baby sleep safely," said Lacey Wilson, Chautauqua County public health director. "Sharing simple, safe sleep practices can help prevent tragedies and give children a healthier start in life."
Parents and caregivers can take these extra steps to protect babies:
– Never fall asleep with a baby on a couch, chair or adult bed.
– Keep cords, wires and other hazards away from the baby’s sleep area.
– Keep the home and car smoke-free.
– Do not share a bed with a baby if the parent or caregiver is tired or have used alcohol, cannabis, other drugs or medicine that makes an adult sleepy.
If a baby falls asleep in a car seat, swing or other sitting device, move the baby to a firm, flat sleep surface as soon as possible.
Chautauqua County Health Department public health nurses teach safe sleep practices through the Welcome Home Baby program. The program offers new parents in Chautauqua County a one-time home visit with a public health nurse. During the visit, nurses can also share information about breastfeeding, how babies grow and develop, vaccines and other ways to help babies stay healthy.