Baby Safety

Over 1,000 infants die each year from sleep-related incidents like suffocation. Here are the guidelines for safe sleep and preventing SIDS and suffocation for the first 12 months:

• Always place babies on their backs for sleep. Tummy time is okay when awake, but should always be placed on their backs for sleeping.
• Babies should always be placed on a safe flat surface for sleep, like a crib or pack-n-play.
  • Never lay a baby in bed with you to sleep; co-sleeping can be very dangerous for infants.
  • Never allow the baby to sleep in a car seat.
  • Room-sharing is much safer than bed-sharing.
• Never leave blankets, pillows, bumpers or toys in a crib during sleep time.
• Avoid overdressing the baby or setting the thermostat too high.
• Never allow anyone to smoke around the baby.
• Remember to educate family and care givers on these lifesaving rules for safe sleep.

Here is a video on the ABCs of Safe Sleep.

Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome effects roughly 3,000 babies a year, often causing either fatality or permanent injury. Never shake a baby. Crying is normal, shaking is not.

Shaking a baby can cause serious brain injury, including cerebral palsy, blindness, hearing loss, learning and behavior problems, seizures, paralysis and death.

Frustration is the number one reason for this dangerous and unnecessary occurrence. When you find yourself frustrated, take these steps to help decrease anger:

1. Place the baby in a safe space
2. Walk away
3. Take a breath
4. Ask for help

Let’s do our part to support new parents and educate our friends and family about keeping our babies safe.

Watch this video for more information on Shaken Baby Syndrome.