Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and the New York State Department of Health, Office of Children and Family Services urge new parents to follow the ABC’s of how to keep your baby safe while sleeping.
“A” is for ALONE – make sure that your baby sleeps ALONE
“B” is for BACK – Be sure to place your baby on their BACK
“C” is for CRIB – Always place your baby in a safe CRIB
Although the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) related deaths in infants between 28 days and 4 months old has decreased significantly; the incidence of sleep related deaths due to injury and the infant’s sleep position and environment are on the rise. Studies have shown that at least 80% of these infant deaths could have been prevented.
Some guidelines that new parents should follow are:
- Purchase a safety-approved crib for your infant and keep it near your bed.
- Sleeping in the same room as your baby is recommended.
- Sleeping on the same surface as your baby (sometime referred to as bed-sharing) is NOT RECOMMENDED.
- Breastfeeding mothers ought to place their baby back into their crib before going to sleep.
- Do not place pillows, blankets, bumpers or other soft objects into the crib with your baby.
- Purchase a firm mattress and fitted sheets for your baby’s crib.
- Do not rely on your baby monitor.
- Never use a car seat, baby swing, carriage or carrier without fully fastening the straps. Partially fastened straps can become a hazard for the baby.
- Smoking with your baby present puts them at a higher risk for SIDS.
- Do not have your baby sleep on a couch or chair. This will pose a risk of blocking airways and may trap the baby in a position that may cause them to suffocate.
For these and additional tips on how to keep your baby safe, visit –
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.