Sofa no-no: The ABCs of safe sleep for babies

(WJBK) - Sleep-related death is the number one health threat to babies from one month to one year.

A recent American Academy of Pediatric (AAP) study concludes most parents place infants in environments with established risk factors for sleep-related deaths. 

To protect your baby while they are sleeping, the Kohl's Injury Prevention Program (KIPP) recommends you follow the ABCs of Safe Sleep for every sleep. Babies should always sleep: Alone, on their Back and in a Crib.

Alone
    -  Don't allow baby to share any sleep surface: adult bed, couch, recliner, floor etc.
    -  Keep pillows, blankets, bumpers, stuffed animals, extra diapers etc. out of the crib

Back
   -  Babies should not be allowed to sleep long periods in car seats, swings, or bouncers; flat on their back is the safest sleep position. 

Crib
     -  Pack 'n plays and bassinets are also safe.

Other Factors Affecting Sleep-Related Deaths:
     -  Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of sudden unexplained infant deaths (SUIDS).
     -  Smoking during pregnancy and smoking in an infant's environment increases the risk of SIDs.
     -  Excessive clothing or blankets and a higher temperature in the room are associated with an increased SIDS risk.
     -  The AAP recommends offering an infant a pacifier at naptime and bedtime to reduce the risk of SIDs.
     -  Teach all caregivers-grandparents, babysitters, siblings-everyone in charge of putting baby to sleep about safe sleep practices.

For more information please visit: www.childrensdmc.org/safesleep.