Safe Sleep

10/04/21

Safe sleep blog……                              

It is 3:57 AM, you are just about to drift off to sleep after a long night of being up and down, feeding, changing, comforting and trying to soothe your baby to sleep for a few hours.  You are exhausted and could use a solid 2 hours sleep before your day starts, and then you hear your baby cry. You wait a few minutes hoping they will soothe themselves back to sleep, you really just need to get some sleep. You are exhausted, frustrated and desperate to get some sleep so you can half way function in the morning. You are incredibly tempted to bring them into your bed, but that is not what is safe for you or your baby.

To keep babies 0-12 months of age safe, while sleeping at night and during naps, follow the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines:

• Place baby on back, in a crib, bassinet or pack n' play for every sleep time - nap time and night time.
• Use a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet.
• Keep baby’s sleep space clutter free – no pillows, blankets or toys.
• Avoid covering baby’s head or overheating. Instead of a blanket, consider using a sleep sack, wearable blanket or footed sleeper to keep baby warm.
• Remind everyone who cares for baby, including babysitters and family members, how to keep baby safe while sleeping.
• Keep baby in a smoke-free environment.
• Support breastfeeding and immunizations.
• Get a safe person to watch your baby. You might be tired or feel like you cannot care for your baby. Find someone who can help watch your baby until you are ready.

We can all do something today to help make a baby’s dreams come true.

Follow and share the safe sleep guidelines.

You can decrease Sudden Infant Death Syndrome every time you create a safe sleep environment for your baby.

Share with your family, friends or anyone who cares for your baby!

Great site for finding out the reasons why for above guidelines:

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71548_57836_69566-165976--,00.html

**If you are struggling with safe sleep, especially while you are trying to sleep too, you are not alone. Reach out to your friends, family, support group or someone else who you feel comfortable and can trust. It is ok to ask for support.