October is Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, and the Chautauqua County Health Department (CCHD) is reminding parents and caregivers that safe sleep practices can help protect babies and save lives. The New York State Department of Health reports that more than 120 infants die each year in the state from sleep-related causes, including SIDS. These deaths are heartbreaking. Following safe sleep steps can lower the risk and help babies sleep safely.
CCHD Chief Medical Officer and Coroner Physician Dr. Michael Faulk says, "Safe sleep awareness month serves as a reminder to not allow infants to sleep with parents or caregivers. Infants cannot roll over or uncover blankets from their face, placing them at greater risk of suffocation. As a dad of five kids myself, I personally understand the motivation or temptation to co-sleep with an infant, but this practice has resulted in tragic consequences right here within our own county."
The Health Department reminds residents to follow the "ABCs of Safe Sleep":
- Alone: Babies should sleep in their own safe sleep space, without other people, pets or loose items.
- Back: Always place babies on their backs for naps and nighttime sleep. Give babies supervised tummy time when they are awake.
- Crib: Use a safety-approved crib, bassinet or play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet. Keep blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, crib bumpers and other soft items out of the sleep space.
- Smoke-free home: Removing smoke from the home will decrease the risk of toxins getting into their system and the risk of SIDS.
A wearable sleep sack can help keep a baby warm without using loose blankets.
Parents and caregivers can take these extra steps to keep their baby's play area safe:
- Never fall asleep with a baby on a couch, chair or adult bed.
- Keep cords, wires and other hazards away from the baby's sleep area.
- Keep your home and car smoke-free.
- Do not share a bed with a baby if you are very tired or have used alcohol, cannabis, other drugs or medicine that makes you sleepy.
If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, swing or other sitting device, move the baby to a firm, flat sleep surface as soon as you are able.
County public health nurses teach safe sleep practices through the Welcome Home Baby program. The program offers new parents in Chautauqua County a one-time home visit with a public health nurse. During the visit, nurses can also share information about breastfeeding, how babies grow and develop, vaccines and other ways to help babies stay healthy.
