Safe Sleep
Each year, thousands of babies die suddenly and unexpectedly in the United States. In fact, Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUIDs) is the leading cause of deaths for infants age 1 month to 1 year. Some of these deaths result from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), while others come from other sleep-related causes, such as suffocation.
While the cause of many of these deaths remains a mystery, a series of Safe Sleep steps have been determined to lower the risk of a baby dying.
The A-B-C-Ds of Safe Sleep
It’s vital that parents understand the basics of newborn safe sleep. With all of the information being tossed at new parents – especially first-time parents – it can be tough to remember it all. The American Association of Pediatrics created some steps that are as easy to remember as A B C D.
ALONE
Babies should always sleep alone. Share the room, but not the bed.
BACK
Babies should always be placed on their backs for nights and naps.
CRIB
A baby’s crib should be clean and clear. Just a fitted sheet. No toys, blankets, or pillows.
DANGER
Be aware, not impaired. Your baby’s life depends on you. Stay attentive.
More Safe Sleeping Tips
- Always use a firm sleep surface. Car seats and other sitting devices are not recommended for routine sleep.
- Keep soft objects or loose bedding out of the crib. This includes pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, sleeping wedges, and bumper pads. Babies can suffocate on or be strangled by any extra item in the crib.
- Sleep clothing, such as fitted, appropriate-sized sleepers, sleep sacks, and wearable blankets are safer for baby than blankets!
- Research shows that pacifiers are especially helpful for reducing SIDS risk in formula-fed babies. However, to reduce the risk of strangulation, choking, and suffocation, do not attach the pacifier to clothing, or other items.
- Don’t smoke or vape around the baby. Secondhand smoke in baby’s home, the car, or other spaces where baby spends time also increases the risk of SIDS and other health problems.
- Adhering to a baby’s recommended vaccination schedule is associated with a lower risk of sleep-related death.
- It’s OK to swaddle a baby, but stop when they start to learn to roll. This can lead to suffocation.
According to research, babies who are breastfed or are fed expressed breastmilk are at lower risk for SIDS compared with babies who were never fed breastmilk. In fact, the longer you exclusively breastfeed your baby (meaning not supplementing with formula), the lower his or her risk of SIDS.
While breastfeeding lowers the risk of SIDS, it can increase the risk of other issues. It can be tempting to bring your baby into your bed for feeding. If you do, be sure to remove all soft items and bedding from the area to risk suffocation or entanglement if you fall asleep. Beds are comfortable and it’s easy for new, sleep-deprived parents to doze off.
If there is any chance you might fall asleep while breastfeeding, ask someone to stay with you. They can then wake you up or can move the baby to its crib if you fall asleep. If you don’t have someone to help you stay awake, set a timer on your phone to go off every few minutes to keep you awake.
If you do doze off, place your baby on their back in their crib as soon as you wake up. Evidence shows that the longer a parent and baby share the same bed, the greater the risk for sleep-related infant deaths.
Breastfeeding and the reduced risk of SIDS
The Period of
PURPLE Crying
The “Period of PURPLE Crying” refers to a phase where babies cry more frequently, intensely, and often for long periods of time. This typically occurs when the infant is between 2 weeks and 3-4 months old. This can be a very difficult, overwhelming, and tiring time for parents and caregivers. Understanding the PURPLE acronym can help parents recognize this phase of normal infant development and navigate with more ease.
PEAK of crying
Your baby cries the most during the first couple of months, peaking at 2 months and then gradually decreasing.
UNEXPECTED
Your baby cries suddenly and for no apparent reason.
RESISTS soothing
Your baby cries even when you have tried everything to soothe baby.
PAIN-like face
Your baby may have a facial expression that looks like they’re in pain, even when they aren’t.
LONG-lasting
Your baby cries for extended periods, sometimes up to 5 hours a day.
EVENING
Your baby cries more in the late afternoon and evening hours.
TIPS FOR PARENTS
- Remember the Period of PURPLE Crying is normal. This is not a reflection of your parenting skills.
- Remember you are not alone. Seek help and support from families, friends, or healthcare professionals.
- Never ever shake your baby. Crying does not hurt your baby, but shaking your baby can permanently injure and/or kill your baby.
- Care for yourself and your baby. Place baby in a safe sleep environment. Now, walk away and take a 10-minute break, making sure to check in on baby responsibly.
- Learn healthy coping strategies by visiting The Period of PURPLE Crying website. These include practical strategies for managing a baby’s crying, including taking breaks when needed, finding ways to soothe the baby, and communicating with other caregivers about the baby’s needs.
- Plan ahead by understanding that the evening hours will be the hardest. Ask a trusted person to come over and help during that time.
