Safe sleep has always been an important topic – and it finally has been getting the buzz and attention it deserves.
We recognize that all the media coverage and online conversation comes with some confusion, questions, and concerns from moms, dads and caregivers. We hope to help bring some clarity.
There is a lot to digest in the CPSC’s new federal safety standard for infant sleep products and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) updated safe sleep recommendations. We will try to help distill this information here, but first want to set the record straight: Nursing and infant support products (sometimes referred to as “nursing pillows”) are not – nor have they every been – sleep products. These important products are designed for supervised awake time only and should never be used for sleep or in any sleep area.
Now, here’s what you need to know about the latest rules and guidance for safe sleep:
- AAP’s Updated Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment: The AAP’s safe sleep guidelines are intended to help prevent any sudden and unexpected infant death, whether the result of suffocation, entrapment/wedging, strangulation, or SIDS. To this end, APP recommends:
- Put baby on their back to sleep for every sleep. If baby falls asleep in a different position, move baby to a safe sleep environment.
- Use of a firm, flat, non-inclined sleep surface to reduce the risk of suffocation or wedging/entrapment. If baby falls asleep in another position, move baby.
- Feed baby human milk because it is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.
- Have baby sleep in the same room – but not the same bed – as parents or caregivers for at least the first 6 months.
- Keep any soft objects, such as pillows, pillow-like toys, quilts, and loose bedding out of baby’s sleep area.
- Offer a pacifier at naptime and bedtime to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Avoid overheating and head covering in infants.
- Follow all healthcare recommendations for mom and baby – before, during and after pregnancy.
- Engage in supervised, awake tummy time to encourage infant development.
- CPSC’s infant sleep rule focuses on products “intended or marketed for infant sleep.” These include inclined sleepers, travel and compact bassinets, and in-bed sleepers. This rule does not impact infant and feeding support products which are intended for use during supervised awake time only and are not marketed or intended for sleep.
If you have any questions about these or any other related guidelines or regulations, please don’t hesitate to contact product manufacturers or healthcare professionals.