SAFE SLEEP

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SAFE SLEEP

• Betty Connal
• SIDS Mid-Atlantic
• 2700 S. Quincy St. Suite 220
• Arlington VA 22206
• 703-933-9100 www.sidsma.org

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SAFE SLEEP

• What is it?
• More than just Back to Sleep
• Back to Sleep A Safe Environment

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WHY DO WE THINK WE HAVE A PROBLEM?

• Infant Mortality rate
• Racial Disparity
• SIDS
• SUDI

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HOW DO WE KNOW WE HAVE A PROBLEM?

• FIMR Data

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COMPONENTS OF SAFE SLEEP

• Where should/shouldnt the baby sleep?
• What should/shouldnt be in the sleeping area?
• What should the baby wear to sleep?
• How should the baby be put down to sleep?

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WHERE SHOULD THE BABY SLEEP?

• Should
• Babys own bed
• Crib, Pack-N-Play, Fun Sport Play Yard, Play Pen,
  Bassinet

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WHERE SHOULDNT THE BABY SLEEP?

• Shouldnt
• Water beds
• Car seat
• Baby Carrier
• Moms bed
• Sofa
• Floor

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WHAT SHOULD BE IN THE SLEEPING AREA?

• Should
• Nothing but the baby!!!

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WHAT SHOULDNT BE IN THE SLEEPING AREA?

• Bumper pads
• Blankets or quilts
• Stuffed animals
• Pillows
• Sheep skins
• Crib slats no wider than 2 3/8 apart

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WHAT SHOULD THE BABY WEAR TO SLEEP?

• Cold Weather
• Blanket type of sleeper
• Warm Weather
• Light weight one-piece sleeper
• DO NOT put any blankets into the bed to cover the
  baby

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HOW SHOULD THE BABY BE PUT DOWN TO SLEEP?

• Always on their backs unless the physician
  specifically says otherwise
• DO NOT put the baby on its side
• Dont prop
• Dont over-dress

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TUMMY TIME

• Tummy Time is very important, but ONLY when awake
  and being watched

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IMPLICATIONS FOR HOSPITAL PRACTICES

• Role Model.
• Place newborns on their backs
• Dont prop on sides

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IMPLICATIONS FOR HOSPITAL PRACTICES

• Discuss all aspects of Safe Sleep when teaching
• No putting on sides or propping with wedges
• No bumper pads
• No blankets or quilts
• No stuffed animals
• Show the Safe Sleep video

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IMPLICATIONS FOR NEW PARENTS

• Dont register for bumper pads or quilts if you
  do get them, use the quilt as a wall decoration
  and the bumper pads as a curtain valence
• Make sure that crib slats are no more than 2
  3/8 apart
• Put your baby on its back to sleep Dont Prop

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IMPLICATIONS FOR NEW PARENTS

• DO NOT put blankets or quilts in your babys bed
• DO NOT put stuffed animals in your babys bed
• DO NOT sleep with your baby in your bed

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IMPLICATIONS FOR NEW PARENTS

• Instruct anyone who may be caring for your baby
  in Safe Sleep practices
• Grandmother
• Aunt
• Friend
• Babysitter
• Child Care Provider

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IMPLICATIONS FOR SECOND-TIME-AROUND PARENTS

• Use Safe Sleep practices with this baby even if
  you didnt with the first baby.

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IMPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS

• Support local Safe Sleep activities
• Plan a program on Safe Sleep and have group
  members invite guests to attend
• Spread the word

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IMPLICATIONS FOR CHURCH GROUPS

• Make sure that the cribs in the church nursery
  are safe slats not too wide
• Remove all bumper pads
• DO NOT put toys or stuffed animals in the cribs
• Do not use wedges or other devices to keep baby
  on back
• Keep nursery warm enough that infants do not need
  blankets when in the cribs

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IMPLICATIONS FOR CHURCH GROUPS

• Make sure that all nursery workers follow the
  Safe Sleep practices
• Show the Safe Sleep video as a requirement for
  working in the nursery
• Discuss Safe Sleep practices with parents
• Provide educational classes for church members on
  Safe Sleep

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PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH!

• Educate Community
• Church groups
• Church nursery
• Day Care
• Your mother
• Your aunt
• Your sister

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Practice what you preach!

• If you use a babysitter - make sure that they
  know the Safe Sleep habits