Infant Safe Sleep Week

November 13-19, 2022, Minnesota’s Infant Safe Sleep Week.

We may all remember “Back to Sleep”, which was a campaign for safe sleep for infants. There is updated guidance from the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) to prevent unexpected deaths for children up to 1 year of age.

The ABCs of safe sleep:

• ALONE: Infants should always sleep or nap alone - not sharing beds or cribs with others.

• BACK: Always put a baby on their back to sleep or nap.

• CRIB: Babies should always sleep or nap in their own safety-approved crib, play yard, bassinet, or portable crib, or cradle board without blankets or pillows. Dress babies in pajamas or other clothing appropriate for the temperature, NOT use blankets.

The risks of sleep-related infant deaths are up to 67 times higher when an infant is sleeping with someone on a couch, soft armchair or cushion; and increase up to 10 times when sleeping on the same surface with someone else when an infant is under 4 months of age. (AAP)

No co-sleeping and put the baby in a safe place before you both nod off for that cozy winter nap.

Thanks to MDH for highlighting this important topic!