The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that parents allow their infants to sleep in the same room as them for at least six months, preferably up to a year. But the baby needs to placed in their own crib and on their back. Never have any pillows, blankets or toys in the crib.
Evidence shows that parents sleeping in the same room as their baby sharply reduces the risk of SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by 50%.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is when a baby dies for no clear reason, typically during sleep.
We don’t know 100% why it happens, but researchers believe it’s associated with abnormalities in an infant’s brain. If an infant dies from suffocation or strangulation, this is not classified as SIDS, but as Sudden Unexpected Infant Death.
There is no way to prevent SIDS but you can lower your risk:
Partha’s RX
1. Keep the crib bare, do not use soft bedding or bumpers
This helps avoid suffocation, strangulation or the child becoming trapped.
2. Use a firm mattress and a tight fitting sheet
To keep your baby warm, try a sleep sac. Be careful not to overheat them.
3. Always try to breastfeed your babies
It can reduce the risk of SIDS by 70%.
4. Have the child sleep on their back and offer a pacifier
If you’re breastfeeding, wait on the pacifier until their 3-4 weeks old.
SIDS is the leading cause of death for infants and 90% happen before the baby is 6 months old. The Center for Disease Control reports about 3,500 Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths each year that include accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed.
