By Alison Rhodes

When your baby was born, did your mom suggest that you should put her to sleep on her stomach? For many years, caregivers believed that was the best way for baby to sleep --  and now it can be an uphill battle convincing grandmothers that the rules have changed! Along with that, here are some of my best tips for sleep safety:

Safe Sleep Tip #1 - Back is best! Placing your baby on his or her back (supine) is the only sleep position recommended for babies. Side and stomach positions are not safe alternatives.

Safe Sleep Tip #2 - Where should my baby sleep? For at least the first six months, keep your baby’s sleep area close to, but separate from, where you sleep. Research shows that being in close proximity to your baby during sleep can greatly reduce the risk of SIDS.

Safe Sleep Tip #3 - The safest sleep area is a safety-approved crib. The mattress should be firm and fit snuggly in the crib. For parents looking for safe alternatives to a crib for their sleeping baby, such as a bassinet, cradle or co-sleeper, please contact First Candle at 800.221.7437

Safe Sleep Tip #4 - What about sharing a sleep surface? Remember, adult beds, sofas and chairs are not safe for sleeping babies and can greatly increase the risk of SIDS, suffocation and accidental infant deaths. Bring baby into your bed to feed and bond, but when its time for sleep, place your baby alongside your bed in his or her own separate, safe sleep area.

Safe Sleep Tip #5 - Be wary of soft bedding and blankets. Anything loose, soft or fluffy in your baby’s sleep area can be dangerous. Take care to remove pillows, blankets, sheepskins, soft or pillow-like bumpers, stuffed toys and other soft objects from your baby’s sleep area when placing them down for nap and nighttime sleeps.

Safe Sleep Tip #6 - Keep your baby warm and safe during sleep. Consider using a wearable blanket or other type sleeper to replace loose blankets in your baby’s sleep area.

Safe Sleep Tip #7 - Never put your baby to sleep on top of any soft surface. This includes adult beds, waterbeds, sofas, chairs, comforters, sheepskins, pillows or cushions.

Safe Sleep Tip #8 - Pacifiers can further reduce the risk of SIDS. Experts recommend giving your baby a pacifier EVERY time you place them down to sleep. By following the First Candle Guidelines for Pacifier Use, parents and caregivers can avoid concerns about breastfeeding challenges and long-term dental complications.

Nationally recognized child safety expert Alison Rhodes has dedicated herself to keeping kids safe. Her passion was born out of tragedy – in 1997 she lost her first child to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Since then, she has become a leading spokesperson for infant safety and SIDS risk-reduction. As a former member of the board of directors for First Candle, the national organization focusing on SIDS and other infant deaths, as well as founder of the Connecticut SIDS Alliance, Alison is frequently called upon to be a guest speaker on infant and child safety issues. Find our more by visiting her website, www.thesafetymom.com.

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