Since the year 2000, there have been no SIDS deaths in Pinellas. These deaths are caused by unsafe sleep practices. There are ways to keep babies safe while they sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that everyone who cares for babies follow these guidelines for babies up to one year of age.
- Place your baby to sleep on his back for every sleep.
- Place your baby to sleep on a firm sleep surface.
- Cover the mattress with a fitted sheet, do not put blankets or pillows between the mattress and fitted sheet, and never use other furniture as a place for baby to sleep (armchair, sofa adult bed, etc.)
- Keep soft objects, loose bedding, or any objects that could increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation out of the crib.
- Place your baby to sleep in the same room where you sleep but not the same bed.
- Breastfeed as much and for as long as you can.
- Do not let your baby get too hot.
- Offer a pacifier at nap time and bed time.
- Schedule and go to all well-child visits.
- Keep your baby away from smokers and places where people smoke.
