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SIDS and other sleep-related deaths are the leading cause of infant mortality in Oklahoma with approximately eight infant deaths for every 1,000 live births.
There were 105 Oklahoma infant death cases, due to unsafe sleeping practices, reviewed in 2007 by the Oklahoma Child Death Review Board.
It was identified that the most common ways that babies die due to unsafe sleep practices are wedging and getting stuck between items such as pillows and overlay which is when another person is lying on the baby.
All babies should be placed on their backs to sleep unless there is a specific medical reason given by the doctor against this recommendation. It is important that parents, grandparents and other caregivers have the most current and up to date safe sleep information.
The following five key areas in relation to safe sleep deal with sleep position, bedding and soft materials, crib and bed sharing and breastfeeding, swaddling/bundling and tobacco exposure.
The following are tips to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep related deaths:
• Always place a baby on his or her back to sleep at nighttime and naptime.
• Avoid smoking during pregnancy and do not smoke or allow anyone else to smoke in the house, car, or anywhere a baby will be.
Place a baby in his or her own separate sleep area in the same room with the caregiver.
• Use a safety approved crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and tight fitting sheet.
• Keep a baby’s sleep space free of toys and other soft bedding, including fluffy blankets, comforters, pillows, stuffed animals, bumper pads and wedges.
• Do not overheat or overdress a baby. Room temperature should be comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.
• Offer a baby a pacifier at naptime and bedtime.
Remember, adult beds, sofas and chairs are not for sleeping babies and can greatly increase the risk of SIDS, suffocation and accidental infant deaths.
There have been reports of infants being suffocated by an adult, sibling, other family member, or pet that rolled on top of the infant while sharing a bed or other sleep area such as a couch or chair.
Finally, tell everyone caring for the baby to place the baby to sleep on their back at all times, even during naps.
A statewide initiative called Preparing for a Lifetime, It’s Everyone’s Responsibility was kicked off in September to promote safe sleep practices for infants and improve infant outcomes in Oklahoma. For more information about safe sleep, view the Oklahoma State Department of Health Web site Preparing for a Lifetime, It’s Everyone’s Responsibility at www.health.ok.gov.
As always, have a safe and healthy week and remember: Eat better, move more and be tobacco free.
SIDS and other sleep-related deaths are the leading cause of infant mortality in Oklahoma with approximately eight infant deaths for every 1,000 live births.
There were 105 Oklahoma infant death cases, due to unsafe sleeping practices, reviewed in 2007 by the Oklahoma Child Death Review Board.
It was identified that the most common ways that babies die due to unsafe sleep practices are wedging and getting stuck between items such as pillows and overlay which is when another person is lying on the baby.
All babies should be placed on their backs to sleep unless there is a specific medical reason given by the doctor against this recommendation. It is important that parents, grandparents and other caregivers have the most current and up to date safe sleep information.
The following five key areas in relation to safe sleep deal with sleep position, bedding and soft materials, crib and bed sharing and breastfeeding, swaddling/bundling and tobacco exposure.
The following are tips to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep related deaths:
• Always place a baby on his or her back to sleep at nighttime and naptime.
• Avoid smoking during pregnancy and do not smoke or allow anyone else to smoke in the house, car, or anywhere a baby will be.
Place a baby in his or her own separate sleep area in the same room with the caregiver.
• Use a safety approved crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and tight fitting sheet.
• Keep a baby’s sleep space free of toys and other soft bedding, including fluffy blankets, comforters, pillows, stuffed animals, bumper pads and wedges.
• Do not overheat or overdress a baby. Room temperature should be comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.
• Offer a baby a pacifier at naptime and bedtime.
Remember, adult beds, sofas and chairs are not for sleeping babies and can greatly increase the risk of SIDS, suffocation and accidental infant deaths.
There have been reports of infants being suffocated by an adult, sibling, other family member, or pet that rolled on top of the infant while sharing a bed or other sleep area such as a couch or chair.
Finally, tell everyone caring for the baby to place the baby to sleep on their back at all times, even during naps.
A statewide initiative called Preparing for a Lifetime, It’s Everyone’s Responsibility was kicked off in September to promote safe sleep practices for infants and improve infant outcomes in Oklahoma. For more information about safe sleep, view the Oklahoma State Department of Health Web site Preparing for a Lifetime, It’s Everyone’s Responsibility at www.health.ok.gov.
As always, have a safe and healthy week and remember: Eat better, move more and be tobacco free.
