Consumer Reports News
Thursday, November 24, 2011 8:30 AM
Poll shows that infants still at risk in unsafe sleep settings
Poll shows that infants still at risk in unsafe sleep settings
 Despite the relentless drumbeat of recommendations for the past two decades urging parents and caregivers to put babies “back to sleep,” as a way to reduce the occurrence of Sudden Infant Death syndrome in the United States, a recent poll from the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, of the University of Michigan Health System, has found that awareness hasn’t necessarily translated into action. According to a survey, when parents of children up to 3 years of age were asked about both their beliefs about safe sleep positions and about the sleep settings and positions for their children during infancy, the discrepancy between knowledge and practice was evident. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has long recommended that parents put their babies to sleep on their backs in the crib, and 89 percent of parents believe that is a safe sleep position. Yet, despite the AAP’s recommendation that babies sleep alone in their cribs, 73 percent of survey respondents had reported falling asleep with their babies in their beds and other places, and 40 percent of the respondents also believed that it was safe for infants to sleep in bed with another person. These findings are of particular concern, suggested Dr. Bethany Mohr, medical director of the child protection team at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, as the holiday season approaches and families may be traveling with their babies to other people’s homes or staying in hotels. Parents, and caregivers, need to remain mindful of these recommendations: • Babies should always sleep alone, in a crib or bassinette, with a firm mattress and tightly fitting sheet. • The crib should be bare (no blankets, plush toys, or anything that could pose a risk of suffocation or smothering). • Parents and caregivers should not fall asleep while holding their babies. The AAP, which originally launched the “Back to Sleep” campaign in 1992, recently published new guidelines urging parents to keep cribs free of bumper pads, soft bedding, pillows, blankets, loose bedding as well as sleep positioners or other devices, like wedges. See our Buying advice and Ratings (available to subscribers) for a wide range of products for babies and kids including cribs. Find us on Facebook and Twitter. |
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You may be wondering, well how can I be sure my child is warm enough while he/she sleeps? Read on...answers below!
Consumer Reports News
Thursday, December 01, 2011 7:00 AM
Keep baby cozy in the crib without blankets
Thursday, December 01, 2011 7:00 AM
Keep baby cozy in the crib without blankets
 When baby sleeps in his bassinet or crib, he’s safest with only a fitted sheet—no blankets, comforters, pillows, or bumpers, all of which are suffocation hazards. How can he still stay comfortable and cozy? Read our guidelines to learn more! Let baby sleep unencumbered Don't wrap your bundle of joy in blankets or comforters when he's in a crib. He can quickly become entangled and—unable to free himself—potentially suffocate. Pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed animals, and dolls don't belong in a bassinet or crib. Dress baby properly If it's cold, try putting your baby in a cozy zippered sleep sack or foot pajamas. Since babies can quickly overheat, if you're worried that your baby is too warm, you should feel his chest or the back of his neck. If he's hot and sweaty, the room temperature should be cooler. Or, put your baby to sleep in lightweight clothes and set the thermostat to a comfortable 70 degrees F. Overheating might contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Use safe sleepwear Babies pajamas should fit snuggly and be made of flame-resistant fabric. There should be no drawstrings, ribbons, or anything else that might catch on something. Buttons and snaps should be firmly attached to avoid becoming a choking hazard. Don't use an electric blanket, heating pad, or even a warm-water bottle to heat your baby's crib. An infant's skin is highly sensitive to heat and can be burned by temperatures that are comfortable to an adult. Get more safe sleep tips, as well as crib safety advice, in our complete cribs buying guide. |
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Brightly Green thanks Consumer Reports for these important and timely articles!
Brightly Green wishes all of you a wonderful & SAFE holiday season!
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