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 Infant Safe Sleep Program is a program of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s Division of Reproductive, Adolescent, and Child Health. This program offers in-person safe sleep classes and you will receive baby items (diapers, wipes, baby clothes, and more) at the end of the class.
Check out this feedback from Philly parents who have taken the safe sleep education class:
“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