Steps for Preventing SIDS

It’s so important to make the crib environment safer for a baby. It’s really important because, while sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) deaths have dropped dramatically since the recommendation to have infants sleep on their backs, rising numbers of infants are harmed from suffocation or strangulation in the crib!

Never purchase an antique or used crib or bassinet. There could be missing hardware that causes it to collapse. Some older cribs have cutouts in the headboard or footboard, which is not safe because baby’s head can get trapped. Also, older cribs may not meet current safety standards.
 
Check slat spacing. The slats in a crib or bassinet should be no farther apart than 2 3/8 inches. If you can fit a can of soda through them, the opening is too large.

Make sure the mattress fits. Put your baby to sleep on her back on a firm mattress that fits tightly into the crib. There shouldn't be any cracks or openings between the crib and the mattress because a baby can get trapped in the smallest of spaces. A full-size crib has an interior surface of 28 inches by 52 inches. The mattress for a full-size crib should be 27 1/4 inches by 51 5/8 inches, and no more than 6 inches thick. If you can place more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame, the fit isn't snug enough and there's a risk of head entrapment.

No blankets, pillows or stuffed animals. Don't wrap your baby in blankets or comforters when he's in the crib. He can quickly become entangled and might not be able to free himself.
 
Safe sleepwear. Baby’s pajamas should fit snuggly and be made of flame-resistant fabric. There should be no drawstrings, ribbons or anything else that might catch on something. Buttons and snaps should be firmly attached to avoid becoming a choking hazard. Remember that babies can quickly overheat, so they sleep in lightweight clothes with the thermostat set at a comfortable 70 degrees.

No sleeping with a bottle. Bottle nipples suffer from wear and tear over time and a small piece can break off and get caught in a baby's throat. Sleeping with a bottle or cup can also cause tooth decay and lead to ear infections.

Use the proper sheets. If a sheet isn't the correct fit, your baby may pull it up and become entangled. Test the sheet by pulling up on each corner to make sure it doesn't pop off the mattress corner.

Ditch the bumpers. Crib bumpers are cute, but it's best not to use them. They need to be tied down with string, which is a potential hazard if not properly secured. If you do use a bumper, choose one that is thin, firm, and made of mesh, not one that is puffy or padded.

Use the crib correctly. Don't lift your baby over the side of the crib without dropping the side first, or you'll be showing her how to escape. Also, be sure to raise and lock the sides as soon as your baby is in the crib.

Always put your baby to sleep on his back to minimize the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and “rebreathing,” a sometimes fatal circumstance that can occur when a baby is sleeping on his stomach or trapped in soft bedding. As a result the child "rebreathes" his own carbon dioxide rather than breathing in oxygen-rich fresh air. The lack of oxygen can cause death.

Finally, don’t forget to share these points with all your child’s caregivers (babysitters, daycare workers, grandparents, etc).

-Dr. Jim

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