Babies spend a lot of time sleeping. Follow the tips outlined below to prevent sleep hazards that can lead to suffocation and death.
All parents and caregivers should be aware of the possible hazards associated with sleeping.
Sleep hazards for young infants include all of the above as well as the following:
A few easy steps can help ensure safe slumber.
When putting a baby less than one year of age to sleep, make sure that you:
Do not place the baby to sleep on a:
The baby’s crib should have:
Remove the following items from the baby’s crib:
Remove the following items from the baby’s crib:
You can avoid certain hazards by keeping the baby in a separate sleeping space:
RESOURCES:
US Consumer Product Safety Commission
http://www.cpsc.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Public Health Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/
References:
Crib safety tips. Consumer Product Safety Commission. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5030.html. Accessed on January 20, 2009.
CPSC cautions caregivers about hidden hazards for babies on adult beds. Consumer Product Safety Commission. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5091.html. Accessed January 20, 2009.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Janet H. Greenhut, MD, MPH
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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