Does it Matter How a Baby Sleeps?
Yes! Infants need the safest sleep environment possible to decrease the baby’s risk of sleep-related death. Babies and parents sleeping together in the same bed – often called co-sleeping – is discouraged for the baby’s safety. As recent as 2017, many counties in southeast Missouri had the highest rate of infant death in the state.
The word “BABY” can help you remember the Safe Sleep rules:
- B is for Back
Place your baby on his or her back at all times. Remember, every time a baby sleeps, this rule counts – even naps. - A is for Alone
Put your baby to bed alone in his or her own crib, bassinet or boxinette every sleep time. Don’t share your bed with a baby. Bed-sharing is the most common cause of death in babies younger than three months old. - B is for Bassinet or Boxinette
Put your baby to sleep on his or her back on a flat, firm surface. If your baby is in a crib or bassinet, make sure the mattress is covered with a tightly-fitted sheet or mattress cover. Keep crib bumpers, loose bedding, toys and other soft objects out of your baby’s crib, bassinet or boxinette. These items put your baby in danger of getting trapped, strangled or suffocated. - Y is for Year One
Let’s make sure all babies get to celebrate their first birthday. Put your baby on his or her back, alone in his or her crib EVERY time.
Show How You Practice Safe Sleep
Share your safe-sleep photos on social media. Be sure to tag us: @SFHealthcareSystem. Help spread the message by using the hashtag #SafeSleep.
In the News
- Reducing Infant Mortality Rates Through The “First Birthday” Project
Featured on KRCU Radio programs “Going Public” and “To Your Health”
