The first few months of life with a new baby can be overwhelming and worrisome for new parents. One thing they can do to help relieve some of those worries is to practice safe sleep: place your baby Alone, on her Back, and in a Crib. That’s the ABCs of Safe Sleep.
Helping families with safe sleep
Karen Morgan, who is a patient engagement coordinator and certified safe sleep instructor, and her team of family resource specialists visit with expectant and new parents to educate them on safe sleep for their babies. They see families in the comfort of their homes or the clinic exam room during OB appointments and well-child checks.
“We educate our families on safe sleep and the risk factors of what could happen,” Karen says.
Recommendations for safe sleep practices and environments come from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Consumer Product Safety Act and the Consumer Product Safety. You can find the most recent recommendations online here.
“We’ve evolved and we’ve learned more things,” Karen said, adding, “I know back when my nieces and nephews were babies, my sister had the bumpers on her crib. She had the matching blanket and the matching pillowcase, and everything matched. And then we realize that bumpers are not safe for our babies to sleep with because they can suffocate from them and it’s easy for a baby to roll into that soft material.”
The main takeaway during patient visits is the “ABC of Safe Sleep”.
“We want to share a consistent message to not only the parent, but the caregivers, to grandma, to grandpa, even for your nurses and your providers,” Karen says adding that, everyone should get the same message. “So, our big take is the ABC’s, which is alone on your back in a clutter-free crib.”
Safe Sleep Tips
- Lay your baby on his or her back on safe sleep surfaces, such as a bassinet, crib, or travel crib. These surfaces should be firm and flat.
- Place infants on their backs to sleep in their own sleep space with no other people. If you have multiples, place each baby in his or her separate bed.
- There should be nothing but the baby and a pacifier in the baby’s sleeping space.
- When your baby starts rolling it is time to stop swaddling in the baby’s arms.
- Practicing 30 minutes of tummy time daily can help your baby build the muscles needed to turn and lift his or her head.
- To learn more about safe sleep and safe sleep environments click here.