Our Blog: September 5, 2022
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September is National Safe Sleep Awareness month, which helps raise awareness about unsafe sleep practices for infants. At AppleTree & Gilden Woods we are committed to providing infants with a safe place to grow and learn. For this reason, AppleTree & Gilden Woods have a policy in safe sleep practices for infants that includes providing a safe sleep environment and ensuring that all teachers are trained on safe sleep annually.
We support and respect your parenting decisions but want to make sure you take this opportunity to learn important information to help keep your infant safe.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the term used to describe the sudden, unexpected and previously thought unexplained death of an infant younger than 1 year of age. Some people call SIDS “crib death” because many babies who die of SIDS are found in their cribs.
But, cribs do not cause SIDS. SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants between one month and one year of age. Studies show that breastfeeding is associated with reduced infant deaths. Here are some important tips for reducing the risk of SIDS.
Where is the safest place for my baby to sleep?
The safest place for your baby to sleep is in the room where you sleep, not in your bed. Place the baby’s crib or bassinet near your bed (within arm’s reach). This makes it easier to breastfeed and bond with your baby. The sleep surface should be free from toys, soft bedding, blankets, and pillows.
Make sure everyone who cares for your baby knows the Safe Sleep rules. Tell grandparents, babysitters, childcare providers, and other caregivers to always place your baby on his or her back to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who usually sleep on their backs but who are then placed on their stomachs, even for a nap, are at very high risk for SIDS—so be vigilant and when putting down your baby remember to do everything you can to get them sleeping safely.
Free educational materials, including brochures, posters, decals and DVDs, can be accessed at: http://www.healthymichigan.com.
