Safer sleeping for babies: Less is more
In the beginning, babies spend up to 18 hours a day sleeping. They’re not doing much, but don’t be fooled. They can get themselves into lots of trouble just by hanging out in their crib. The Consumer Product Safety Commission cites 97 reports of crib-related deaths from 2002 to 2004 (the most recent statistics) due to entrapment between old or broken crib components, encounters with accessories around the crib, such as window cords or curtain tie backs, and suffocation when infants ended up face down in cribs containing pillows, quilts, and other bedding. It’s up to you to provide your baby with the safest and best sleeping environment possible. Here’s what you can do to rest assured that your baby is snoozing safely:
• To reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation, place your baby to sleep on its back (unless your pediatrician advises otherwise) at naptime and nighttime in a crib that meets all safety standards with a firm, tight-fitting mattress. You shouldn’t be able to fit more than two fingers between the sides of the crib and the mattress at any point.
• Place your baby’s crib well away from windows, window blinds, wall hangings, draperies, and other furniture so that an adventurous baby can’t get at anything dangerous.
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