Safe Sleep Tips for Your Baby
Now that the weather has turned cold, the thermostat in many a household is turned down while everyone is tucked into bed.
To stay warm, more blankets are being piled onto the bed. But, piling blankets on an infant may put your baby at risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). So, what do you do?
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development offers a "Safe Sleep Top 10"; easy for parents and caregivers to follow.
Among the recommendations:
Always place your baby on his or her back when sleeping; the crib mattress should be "safety approved", covered only with a fitted sheet -- no pillows, quilts, sheepskins or other soft material. Crib bumper guards are also discouraged.
Dressing your infant in a cozy sleeper is one way to keep the little one warm, but check on the baby periodically to make sure he or she isn't too warm.
If you use a blanket, the institute advises placing your infant so its feet are at the end of the crib, then fold the blanket so only half is covering the baby; making sure to tuck the blanket securely under the mattress.
Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your baby's sleep area.
Again, check on the infant regularly.
