Tummy to Play and Back to Sleep: Facts about Safe Sleep

If you have a child, are expecting or know someone who has a baby, chances are you’ve thought about safe sleep.  What’s okay? What’s not okay?  There is a lot of conflicting information about everything from co-sleeping to crib accessories. It’s important not just for you to have accurate information, but to also share this information with anyone who looks after your baby.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that until babies are 1 year old, they should:

Be put to sleep on their back during naps and at nighttime. Because babies sleeping on their sides are more likely to accidentally roll onto their stomach, the side position is just as dangerous as the stomach position.

Sleep on a firm mattress, covered by a fitted sheet that meets current safety standards.

Sleep in your room, but not in your bed. The safest place for your baby to sleep is in the room where you sleep, but not in your bed, given the risk of suffocation. Place the baby’s crib or bassinet near your bed (within arm’s reach). This makes it easier to breastfeed and to bond with your baby.

Not be placed in a crib with toys and other soft bedding, including fluffy blankets, comforters, pillows, stuffed animals, bumper pads, and wedges. Loose bedding, such as sheets and blankets, should not be used as these items can impair your baby’s ability to breathe if they are close to his face. Sleep clothing, such as sleepers, sleep sacks, and wearable blankets are better alternatives to blankets.

Not get too hot while they’re sleeping. Your baby could be too hot if you notice sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash, and rapid breathing. Dress your baby lightly for sleep. Set the room temperature in a range that is comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.

Be breastfed. Lots of research backs up the positive connection between nursing and SIDS risk reduction.

Be fully immunized. There may be a protective effect here, too; evidence points to a 50 percent decrease in the risk of SIDS.

Use a pacifier at nap time and bed time. The pacifier should not have cords or clips that might be a strangulation risk.

Sleep in an area that is always smoke-free.

Not sleep on adult beds, chairs, sofas, waterbeds, pillows, or cushions. Babies also shouldn’t sleep in a car seat, stroller, swing, or sling for more than 60-90 minutes, and even then only under close supervision. Nothing but a crib, bassinet, or Pack & Play is recommended for extended periods of sleep. If your baby falls asleep in one of those other places, it’s recommended that you move him as soon as is practical. Otherwise, there’s the risk of sliding or slumping down and boosting the chance of suffocation.

Is It Ever Safe To Have Babies On Their Tummies?

• Yes! Tummy time is an important part of your baby’s daily activities. “Tummy time” is playtime when infants are awake and placed on their tummies while someone is watching them. Your baby needs plenty of tummy time while supervised and awake to help build strong neck and shoulder muscles. Talk to you childcare provider about making tummy time part of your baby’s activities and remember to make sure that your baby is having tummy time at home with you, too.

As always, if you have a question about the health and safety of your child, talk to your baby’s doctor.