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How To Keep Your Baby Safe While Sleeping
- Lisa Paoni, PT CNC
- Nov 2, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 30, 2024
On average, every year 3500 babies in the US die unexpectedly while asleep. The vast majority of those sudden deaths result from one of two things – sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or unintentional suffocation. The highest risk is for those under the age of one.
Research is ongoing, yet the exact cause of SIDS remains unknown. However, several factors have been identified that, when implemented consistently, substantially decrease a baby’s risk of death.
According to All4Kids.org, “for children less than one year of age, two-thirds of injury deaths are due to suffocation” (the remainder are from SIDS). How can that happen? All too easily, unfortunately. The culprit is any item or position that increases the chances of the baby’s nose and mouth becoming covered.
Read on to discover what you should do to help keep your baby safe while sleeping.
Place Your Baby On His Back To Sleep
Routine back sleeping substantially decreases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) during their crucial first year of development. It's the ideal position for keeping a baby's airway as unrestricted as possible.
When on his side or stomach, a baby's neck and chin are moved out of a straight alignment. This results in a partially restricted airway. In addition, his nose and mouth may press against the mattress, covering those openings. The result is an increased risk of suffocation.
Eventually, your baby will attempt to roll, even while asleep. It’s a natural part of development. Using pillows or comparable items to try to stop him won’t eliminate that movement. Instead, they become hazardous, potentially covering his mouth and nose when he turns his head.
The best you can do is position him flat on his back to sleep. If you notice he’s rolled out of position, gently place him onto his back again.
If your baby becomes restless and agitated on his back, try different methods to calm him. Perhaps soothing music or gently stroking him will help. Some people find giving the baby a pacifier does the trick. It’s safe to use while sleeping, provided it’s a single piece without a cord or string attached.
You need to stand your ground. Don’t alter your fussy baby’s position to settle him down. I know you can be over-tired and a bit worried about him. He’ll be fine, and so will you. Remember, you need to train him instead of him training you.
Your Baby Should Sleep In His Crib, Even For Short Naps
Never place him on a couch or bed, where suffocation risks are everywhere. The surfaces are too soft for sleeping safely. Nearby blankets, pillows, and sides of the furniture (particularly the back of the couch) are also instant hazards.
When lying beside your baby, you become a threat to him. Every year, babies die due to a sleeping parent unintentionally rolling over onto them. Share your room, not your bed.
Many people utilize nursing pillows to help position their baby during feeding. Unfortunately, babies often fall asleep in them. Nursing pillows provide a large, soft surface surrounding the baby while he’s propped up at an angle. Those are all traits to avoid for a sleeping baby.
In September 2023, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission unanimously approved requirements for nursing pillows after a news organization investigated numerous infant deaths from sleeping on them. The new rules outline the appropriate shape, size, and firmness for improving the safety of those products.
Keep All Blankets And Toys Outside Of The Crib
Anything that your baby could move in any manner or somehow wiggle himself against is a significant source of suffocation. Don’t risk it. Put those blankets and stuffed animals somewhere other than in the crib.
Coverings positioned over or along the crib rails – meant to cushion and close off that area – are a significant suffocation hazard. They should be avoided.
Use A Firm Mattress And Fitted Sheet
A baby sinks farther into a soft mattress than a firm one. Her nose and mouth can readily be obstructed when she rolls onto her side or stomach. On a firm mattress, parts of her face may still be covered, but to a lesser extent than a softer surface would allow.
While blankets are a hazard, fitted sheets aren't problematic. Your baby can’t loosen a fitted sheet enough to move a portion of it to her face.
Keep Both Your Baby And Crib Flat
Some parents mistakenly believe that tilting up the head of the crib or utilizing a wedge-shaped cushion under the baby helps decrease gastric reflux. However, research determined it’s of no benefit for that condition. In fact, raising a baby’s angle up at all is hazardous.
Gravity pulls everything and everyone down when given a chance. When your baby slides down even slightly, his chin gets positioned towards his chest. That little bit of bend can be enough to block off part of the airway.
To Keep Your Baby Warm, Dress Him In A Onesie Or Similar Clothing
A blanket could accidentally be pulled up over the nose or mouth. Or a baby could roll over onto it with their face pushing into the soft fabric. To keep your baby warm, dress him in a onesie or similar outfit.
Additionally, your baby may become overheated when sleeping with a blanket. A significantly elevated body temperature is a contributing factor to the increased risk of SIDS.
When Feasible, Move a Baby Sleeping In A Car Seat Into Her Crib Instead
Babies fall asleep in car seats all the time. Generally speaking, they’re fine. Its straps help keep a baby from sliding down or turning out of position.
However, the car seat keeps a baby tilted up at an angle. When her head moves off to the side, narrowing the airway.
If she remains asleep when you reach your destination, move her from the car seat to a crib or stroller. With your baby now lying flat on her back again, breathing becomes less restrictive.
The wonder and excitement as your baby grows and explores his world are seemingly endless.
When he’s recovering from his adventures – either napping or sleeping overnight – those under the age of one are at higher risk of death from SIDS or suffocation. Fortunately, there are several things you can do every time your baby is sleeping that are proven to minimize those risks dramatically.
