This post is sponsored by Owlet Baby Care; all opinions are mine alone. #ad
Have you heard September is Baby Safety Month? We hope you were able to read The Things I Love Most's article yesterday on Safety in the Home. As parents it's natural to worry whether we're doing what's safest when caring for baby. As a new mom I recall having several questions about feeding baby, car seat safety, putting him to sleep, and more. I'm so excited to partner with Owlet Baby Care, along with some amazing bloggers, to share these safe sleeping reminders for parents and caregivers. Whether you're an expecting, new or seasoned parent, we hope to provide a helpful guide to educate and empower you in ensuring baby's safety.
Common Q&A About Safe Sleep for Baby
Q: What is SIDS?
A: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old. It's also commonly referred to as crib death.
Q: Who is at risk for SIDS?
A: SIDS is the leading cause of death for babies 1 month old to 12 months of age, most commonly between 2-4 months old. Since the cause of SIDS is unknown, safe sleeping practices should be used to reduce the risk of SIDS in babies under 1 year old.
Q: Is it safe to put my baby to sleep on their stomach?
A: Baby should be placed completely on their back every time they sleep. Babies laid down to sleep on their stomachs are at 18 times more risk of SIDS. Side or stomach sleeping is not safe until baby can move into and out of these positions independently.
Q: Are there any products that can help protect my baby against SIDS?
A: The Owlet Baby Monitor is the only baby monitor that uses the hospital technology of pulse oximetry and is designed to alert parents if baby stops breathing. It measures baby's heart rate and oxygen with a wireless baby sock that connects to a base station and your smart phone to track vitals. Owlet has given an extra peace of mind to parents while baby sleeps.
Q: My baby is cold at night-- can I use a blanket?
A: Loose bedding, such as sheets and blankets, should not be used. Sleep clothing, including sleepers, wearable blankets, and sleep sacks are good alternatives to blankets.
Q: Is it safe for baby to sleep with a pacifier?
A: Pacifiers have been proven to help protect against SIDS. Just be sure to avoid using cords or other items attached to the pacifier that may pose a strangulation risk to baby.
Q: Can I hang a mobile above my baby's crib?
A: Mobiles are fun, but definitely optional. If you choose to use a mobile, make sure it doesn't hang low enough for baby to reach and become entangled. Once baby is able to sit up, remove the mobile from the crib for their safety.
Q: How do I know when I should lower the level of my baby's crib?
A: Many cribs have adjustable heights that allow you to lower the mattress level as baby grows, making it more difficult for them to fall out. While the highest level is safe until baby becomes more mobile, it should be lowered accordingly once baby learns to sit or stand up.
Q: Is it okay to use a wedge or infant positioner in baby's crib?
A: There is no evidence that wedges or positioners reduce the risk of SIDS, but they may increase the risk of suffocation and are not recommended.
Q: Is it safe to put bumper pads or soft objects in baby's crib?
A: Bumper pads and soft objects, such as pillows or stuffed animals, increase the risk of suffocation or strangulation were they to cover baby's face and are not recommended for safe sleeping. The only exception is toys that are made for the crib that attach securely to the slats. Caution should also be taken to avoid having objects within reach on the outside of the crib, such as on top of baby's dresser.
Q: Is it safe to co-sleep with baby in my bed?
A: Room sharing without bed-sharing is recommended. This arrangement can decrease the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%. Parents who sleep with baby put them at risk of suffocation or strangulation from rolling onto baby during sleep or baby getting tangled in the bedding.
Q: Can I add extra blankets on top of baby's crib sheet to make the bed more comfortable?
A: Baby's crib (bassinet, portable crib, or play yard) mattress should be firm and only covered by a fitted sheet that meets current safety standards. Do not put baby to sleep on chairs or sofas; adult beds are not safe for baby.
Q: I received an older crib from a friend, is it safe to use?
A: Older cribs should be inspected to ensure they're sturdy and comply with the latest safety information on Consumer Product Safety Commission. If the crib has a drop side, be aware that these were recalled in 2009. Contact the manufacturer to find out whether the crib should disposed of or they can send a repair kit to disable the drop side.
Q: How do I know what temperature is safe to keep my home at while baby sleeps?
A: Keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult wearing light clothing. Baby could be too hot if you notice sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, or heat rash.
Q: My baby is sometimes in the care of a babysitter. How do I ensure their safety when I'm not around?
A: It's vital to talk with anyone that watches baby about safe sleeping practices to ensure they're taking all the same precautions you would when putting them down for naps or bedtime. It's also a good idea to have a medical plan should something go wrong, including your preferred hospital and pediatrician's information.
I hope these safe sleep reminders have given you more confidence in how to protect your sweet baby as they sleep. Owlet Baby Care is a product I wish I'd had when my kids were younger since I know it would have given me that additional peace of mind, assured that it was designed to notify me were something wrong with my baby. In celebration of Baby Safety month, Owlet is giving away a monitor and other recommended baby gear-- perfect for any parent or caregiver! Enter the giveaway below and be sure to stop by The Salt Project tomorrow for how to Create an Emergency Kit for Baby.
Giveaway here: a Rafflecopter giveaway
All sources researched in writing this article were found directly from the American Academy of Pediatrics' website and include:
- Healthy Children.org: Make Baby's Room Safe
- Healthy Children.org: A Child Care Provider's Guide to Safe Sleep
- Healthy Children.org: AAP Expands Guidelines for Infant Sleep Safety and SIDS Risk Reduction
Healthy Children.org: Suitable Sleeping Sites - Pediatric Patient Education: Safe Sleep and Your Baby: How Parents Can Reduce the Risk of SIDS and Suffocation
It's always scary to leave your newborn at any time. I remember checking on my several times in the night just to make sure everything was okay. Great answers, Thanks
ReplyDeleteGosh, there's so much to think about when you have a little one! SIDS is so scary, but it's great to know how to avoid it.
ReplyDeleteGreat information here. Passing this on to my brother who is a new single dad.
ReplyDeleteIf I had a newborn I would totally buy one of these. I was always so scared that my babies would stop breathing at night and would get up to check on them several times.
ReplyDeleteThis is packed with a lot of good information! It will be helpful for so many new and expectant parents. This looks like a great giveaway too!
ReplyDeleteHow awesome! That is so helpful for new parents. If I had a baby, I would totally purchase! I don't plan on having any kids any time soon, but just in case ;)
ReplyDeleteThese are very helpful tips, especially for new parents. I've never heard of this brand, but their products look cool.
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad when infants die cot deaths, these are all good tips to try and prevent sudden death. You are right, making sure the baby sleeps on their back and not their stomach is a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI used to always check my newborn, in an obsessive way. I just could not resist the urge as I had read so many scary things during my pregnancy and I just had to be sure he was fine. This information is helpful for expecting moms.
ReplyDeleteI am paranoid about newborn safety. It's so essential to me that I do everything to keep my baby safe. I need to buy the Owlet monitor for my newborn in November.
ReplyDeleteI think all new moms are worried about newborn safety and I am glad to see that the products you are showing make that a priority! What a sense of relief!
ReplyDeleteNewborn safety awareness is key. I'm glad you are sharing this as monitors are a great tool for new moms!
ReplyDeleteI've seen other people use this and love it - if we ever adopt a little one I am definitely going to pick one of these up!
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful post filled with helpful informational for new parents or those with little ones still! It's amazing how much monitors have advanced since I used them!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you found this product... I never had that when my babies were young and I am not that old, but I do feel old when I see 3 year old using a smart phone... lol
ReplyDeleteI love all the questions and answers. I think it covers a lot of great information that parents need and want to know!
ReplyDeleteI love how baby monitors have evolved over the years! I'd love to win this monitor for a friend of mine. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteIts helped me understand more of what SIDS can do to a newborn. I'm having a difficult time with my daughter when it comes to sleeping. I have her facing up and throughout her nap she ends up moving facing down ever since she figure how to turn. Thank you for the good advice it has helped me understand it more.
ReplyDeleteI am loving all of these tips. Safety with small children is something that is so concerning to me. I personally have a friend whose brother died of SIDS in a car seat. So tragic.
ReplyDeleteMy best friend is due in February, I know she would love to have this monitor for her first baby.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this for our little girl that is due Nov 8th.
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