October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. Not only this month, but every month of every year, parents and caregivers can join Safe to Sleep® and its partners to encourage safe infant sleep and help raise awareness about SIDS.
Although the rates of SIDS and other sleep-related infant death have decreased over the years, there is more work to be done.
More than 1 out of 3 of sudden unexpected infant deaths that occur in the United States each year are from SIDS. Recent research also shows that unsafe bedding, such as soft or loose blankets in baby’s sleep area, remains a leading cause of infant death.
This may seem very scary however there are ways to help keep babies safe. Here are some ways.
- Babies should sleep on a firm and flat surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib, that is free of loose and soft items such as toys, crib bumpers, and blankets. #SafeSleepSnap. #SIDSAwarenessMonth
- Keeping baby in your room, in a separate safe sleep area made just for baby (such as a safety-approved crib next to your bed) helps to reduce the risk of #SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death.
- DYK? #Breastfeeding or feeding babies breast milk reduces their risk for #SIDS. Remember to also practice safe sleep when feeding.
Information shared from https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/