Safe Kids News

SEPTEMBER IS BABY SAFETY MONTH

Listed below are some recommendations from the Juvenile Products Manufactuer’s Association (JPMA) to guide parents in keeping their baby safe.

*Bedding must always be used as instructed by the manufactuer to help ensure baby’s safety.

*Infants should ALWAYS sleep in a crib, which meets current federal and ASTM standards.

*Choose a firm mattress that fits snugly in the crib.

*ALWAYS use a crib sheet that fits securely on the mattress and wraps around the mattress corners.

*Mobiles should also be removed when baby can pull himself up.

*NEVER place infants to sleep on pillows, sofa cushions, adult beds, waterbeds, beanbags, or any other surface not specifically designed for infant sleep.

*Normal, healthy infants should ALWAYS sleep on their backs unless otherwise directed by the pediatrician.

*Remove pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like stuffed toys, and other pillow-like products from the crib.

*Cover baby with a thin covering, only reaaching as far as baby’s chest, and tuck the covering around the crib mattress. For newborns, consider swaddling.

*Do not overdress your baby. Consider using a sleeper or other sleep clothing as analternative to any covering.

DID YOU KNOW THAT SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS) IS:

The cause of death for nearly 2500 babies in the US (2000)

The leading cause of death between 1 and 12 months of age

Most common among infants 2-4 months old

More common during the winter months

More common in male babies