Keeping an infant safe is a parent's No. 1 priority. From the start, parents are faced with the daunting task of sifting through numerous brands and styles of car seats, walkers, toys and cribs. To enhance this challenge, parents inevitably will face differing opinions from doctors, experts, grandparents and other parents concerning what is best for a baby. Where and how an infant should sleep is one of the more challenging decisions a parent will make and has a significant affect on the health and safety of the child.
Where to Sleep?
There are two main--and differing--schools of thought concerning where and how infants should sleep: co-sleeping and crib or bassinet sleeping. Parents who choose co-sleeping have the infant directly beside or in the bed with them. Many models of co-sleepers are available that attach to a bed's box spring or position the infant on top of the mattress. A crib or bassinet, on the other hand, typically is kept away from the bed in the parents' room or in another room altogether. Both options have safety concerns and benefits.
Crib Safety
When choosing a crib, be sure it has been certified for safety by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). Parents buying a used crib should be extra vigilant in checking that the crib, or parts of the crib, have not been recalled. Crib mattresses should be firm, and crib sheets should fit snugly. Toys, stuffed animals and heavy blankets should be removed from the crib, as any of these items could cover the baby's face and result in suffocation. Parents also should be aware of what is in the vicinity of the crib. Hanging cords from blinds pose a strangulation hazard, and placing the crib too close to a heating vent can cause hazardous overheating.
Co-Sleeping
The most common choices for co-sleeping are a either a crib-type sleeper that attaches to the parents' bed or sleeper with a flat surface and sides that prevent parents from rolling over onto the baby. Some parents choose to forgo these options and simply sleep with the baby beside them or on their chests.
Co-sleepers are not as heavily regulated as cribs and are often not certified by the JPMA. When co-sleeping, parents should never be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, sleeping medications or any substance that would create a deeper-than-normal sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages co-sleeping if one or both parents are smokers. If the infant is sleeping directly in bed with the parents, they should take extra care to avoid covering the baby's head with blankets or pillows.
SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, is the main safety concern for sleeping babies and the top reason cribs are regulated and safety certified. The simplest and most effective way to decrease the chance of SIDS is to always put the baby on her back for sleeping. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incidence of SIDS has dropped by 50 percent since the "lay back down" recommendation was made in the early 1990s. Even so, SIDS was the leading cause of death in children under age 1 in 2005. Along with ensuring that the infant is sleeping on her back, parents can reduce the risk of SIDS by dressing her in light clothing for sleep to prevent overheating and being sure there are no objects nearby that could cover her face or obstruct her airway.
Warnings
If there is ever a doubt about how safe a child's sleep environment is, consult a pediatrician or other expert. Parents also should be clear with other caregivers about the way they prefer their child to sleep so consistency and safety can be maintained. If a child ever seems to be having trouble breathing while in bed, contact Emergency Services immediately.
