Every October, we observe SIDS Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about safe infant sleep practices. SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome, is the term used to describe the sudden death of a baby younger than 1 year old that doesn’t have a known cause. SIDS is one of the three most common types of SUID (sudden unexpected infant death syndrome).
What can I do to reduce the risk of SIDS?
- Place infants on their backs for sleep in their own sleep space with no other people.
- Use a crib, bassinet, or play yard, with a firm, flat sleeping surface and a fitted sheet.
- Feed your baby human milk if possible.
- Sleep in the same room and give your baby their own sleep space (crib, bassinet, play yard, etc.), separate from your bed
- Keep your baby's surroundings smoke-free.
- Keep your baby from getting too hot.
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What is Philly doing to promote safe infant sleep?
The Safe Sleep Philly Crib Program is a program of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s Division of Maternal, Child, and Family Health. This program offers safe sleep education and provides a free, portable crib to any Philadelphia resident with a child under one year old.
The Safe Sleep Philly Crib Program provides Pack ‘n Plays through provider referrals (referrals made by pediatricians, social workers, case managers, community health workers, etc.). If you are 30 weeks or more pregnant, or have a child under 10 months of age, speak to a provider about requesting a Pack ‘n Play.
Check out this feedback from Philly parents who have taken the safe sleep education class:
“I’m grateful the city has this program available, and I hope a lot of people are able to take advantage of it. This crib will help my family have a safe sleep space that also fits safely in our small apartment.” - Anonymous
“The class is very informative. Learned about preventing accidents (SIDS) and more than just safe sleep habits... how to properly assemble crib, swaddling tips, and other parenting suggestions/advice.” - P. Drayton
“Class was great and corrected some information I thought was ok to do. I learned that do not let baby sleep on sofa even if anyone is in room.” - M Cruz-Gonzalez