October is Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month. Caregivers are reminded to maintain safe sleep environments for babies, especially in their first year.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs, not their stomachs or sides, in a crib, bassinet, or pack-n-play. Babies should sleep alone every time they sleep.
Firm mattresses with a tightly fitted sheet are advised, so there is no risk of suffocation from the bedding. Pillows, blankets, and toys should stay out of the sleep surface, and sleep sacks, wearable blankets, or footed sleepers should be used instead of blankets to keep babies warm.
Health officials also warn caregivers to be aware of recalled products. Some products intended for sleep end up being dangerous and are subject to recall.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, said. “Just because a product is advertised and sold for infant use, that doesn’t mean it’s a safe place for infants to sleep. The Consumer Product Safety Commission can’t identify hazardous products unless the public reports them. Anyone can report a concern, whether it’s an injury, death, or a ‘near miss.’ It takes all of us to make sure babies are sleeping safely.”
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
