On average, almost 400 Texas babies die in their sleep each year - suddenly, unexpectedly, and without a clear explanation or due to accidental suffocation or strangulation. That's why it is so important to always give babies "Room to Breathe."
The ABC's of Infant sleep:
- A - Sleep alone
- B - On their backs with no blankets or bedding
- C - In a crib and cool (70 degrees)
- S - In a smoke free environment
Do:
- Do put babies to sleep alone on their backs in a crib or on another firm surface with a tight-fitting bottom sheet. If the baby leaves an impression on the mattress, the surface is too soft.
- Do keep babies away from second hand smoke.
- Do dress the baby, not the bed - dress the child lightly and control the room temperature. 70 degrees is ideal.
- Do breast feed and use pacifiers as both are associated with a lower risk of sudden death.
Don't:
- Don't put a baby to sleep with blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or bumper pads inside the crib.
- Don't cover a baby's face or allow a baby to cover its face with anything.
- Don't let an infant sleep with older children.
- Don't ever sleep with an infant if you are drunk, under the influence of illegal drugs or medications that make you sleepy, or when extremely tired.
- Don't put a baby to sleep on or sleep with a baby on chairs, sofas, futons, beanbags, or cushions.
- Don't put babies to sleep on soft mattresses such as pillow-tops, waterbeds, or memory foam. If the baby leaves an impression in the mattress, it's too soft.
- Don't expose babies to secondhand smoke.
