Other steps to help your baby sleep safe:
“Tummy Time”: Laying on their back all the time can cause a flat spot on a baby’s head, so it is important to give your baby “tummy time” while they are awake. This is a great time to play and bond with your baby. A baby should only have “tummy time” when the baby is being watched. Supervised “Tummy Time” helps baby’s neck, shoulder, and arm muscles get stronger. It also helps to prevent flat spots on the back of your baby’s head. Holding a baby upright and limiting time in carriers and bouncers can also help prevent flat spots.
Breastfeeding: There are many benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby. Breastfeeding has been found to protect a baby against SUIDs. However, it is important to breastfeed in a safe place. Breastfeeding releases hormones that can make a mom tired. So, it is very important not to breastfeed in a place that is not safe for a baby to sleep. During the night, when mom is done breastfeeding lay the baby in his/her own bed, on their back. The baby’s bed should be near where mom is sleeping to make this as easy as possible. However, the baby should not be in the same bed as mom.Remember that prescription painkillers can often make you sleepy. If a doctor has given them for use while breastfeeding, make sure to breastfeed in a safe location.
Pacifiers: Using a pacifier during naptime and bedtime lowers the risk of SUIDs. Pacifiers help keep the airway open and prevent rolling from back to tummy. The pacifier should not be tied around your baby’s neck. If the pacifier falls out when your baby is asleep, you do not have to put it back in. Pacifiers can be used when breastfeeding but it is recommended to wait until breastfeeding is well established. Infants who are not being breastfed can begin pacifier use immediately.
Regular Prenatal Care: When pregnant it is important to have regular prenatal visits. This will help keep your baby healthy. It is important to discuss safe sleep steps with your health care provider.
Alcohol and Drug Use: Talk to your doctor and your baby’s doctor about the safe use of prescription medication when you are pregnant and after the baby is born. Do not use alcohol, illegal drugs or medicine not prescribed to you.
The American Academy of Pediatrics supports the above steps for safe sleep.