Every Sleep Matters: The ABCs of Safe Sleep

Infant mortality is a powerful yet largely unconsidered factor in a nation’s overall health and well-being. The CDC defines this as the number of infant deaths for every 1,000 live births and it is a sobering indicator of how well we care for our mothers and children in the United States. While there have been slight improvements to the infant mortality rate, it remains a ceaseless concern that is deeply tied to preventable causes, one of which being unsafe sleep environments. Practicing safe sleep habits reduces the avoidable mortality rate by over 85%.

Every time an infant is placed to sleep in an unsafe environment, we are tempting a disastrous outcome. Though soft toys, blankets, and mementos may create the illusion of a cozy, comforting crib, they can turn a place of rest into one of fatal danger. Simply put, just because you have not experienced a loss related to sleep safety, it doesn’t mean that the dangers don’t still exist. 

One of the most preventable causes of infant death is accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. These tragedies often occur when babies are placed in unsafe sleep environments, mainly due to lack of education regarding proper sleep practices. 

Some common causes of sleep-related infant deaths:

·      Suffocation by soft bedding: When items like pillows or blankets cover an infant’s nose or mouth.

·      Overlaying: When another person may unintentionally roll on top of or against a baby during sleep.

·      Wedging or Entrapment: When an infant becomes trapped between objects, such as a mattress and a wall or bed frame.

·      Strangulation: Often due to entanglement in crib railings or other objects.

To prevent these tragic outcomes, parents and caregivers are encouraged to follow the ABCs of safe sleep for every sleep.

The ABCs of Safe Sleep

·      A is for Alone

Babies should always sleep alone in their crib. No sleeping in an adult bed, not on a couch or a chair, and not with parents or other children. 

o   Keep the crib free of pillows, blankets, bumper pads, or toys.

o   Instead of blankets, use a wearable sleep sack to keep your baby warm.

o   Room sharing is safer than bed sharing. Keep your baby’s sleep area in the same room, but never in the same bed. 

·      B is for Back

Babies should always be placed on their back to sleep.

o   Sleeping on the back significantly reduces the risk of choking, as the baby’s airway is better protected in this position. 

o   Stomach sleeping increases the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death.

·      C is for Crib

Babies should sleep in a crib, Pack-N-Play, or bassinet with a firm mattress. 

o   Use only fitted sheets and not soft bedding or loose materials.

o   Toddler mattresses, although the same size as crib mattresses, are softer and not safe for infants. 

o   Check that your crib meets current safety standards, with slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.

Every parent wants to keep their baby safe, but the reality is that even one unsafe sleep can have life-changing consequences. Practicing the ABCs of Safe Sleep every time a baby rests is a lifesaving habit, and you don’t have to do it alone.

The Parenting Network offers a powerful support system for expectant mothers, fathers, and caregivers, and by participating in Parenting Network classes, families not only gain valuable education on safe sleep practices, but are also provided with the resources, such as cribs, to create a safe sleep environment for their infants at home. We can equip families with the knowledge and resources they need to protect their children and give them the safest possible start in life.