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The safety of a child is one of the most important challenges a new parent will face. Many parents, grandparents, and caregivers are unaware of the dangers that can occur to an infant during sleep.

In 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that babies be put down to sleep on their backs instead of their stomachs. In 1994, the nationwide "Back to Sleep"campaign was launched. Since the first recommendation, the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has decreased by more than 40 percent. Experts estimate that 2000 fewer babies are dying each year because they sleep on their backs instead of their stomachs.

In spite of the improvement, there is still a need to make families and caregivers aware of safe sleep practices that can protect and save the lives of our youngest citizens. The following recommendations are shared by the Children's Trust Fund and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Where your baby sleeps is an important start to protecting them. Cribs need to meet safety standards. The space between the crib slats should not be wider than a soda can. The sides of the crib should be kept up at all times and be locked into place. End panels should not have any decorative holes or cutouts, and the corner posts need to be level. The crib should be free of splinters and cracked or chipped paint pieces.

The mattress should be firm and fit tightly so that not more than two fingers can fit between the crib and mattress. No hanging toys should be in or on the crib. The crib should not be near a heat source, such as furnace vent, radiator or space heater. Pillow like bumper pads, wedgies or rolled up blankets should not be used to prop the baby on his side. The safest position for a baby to sleep is on his back.

The only thing in the crib should be the baby. Remove blankets, pillows, quilts, comforters, and stuffed animals from the crib. Soft materials can obstruct an infant's airway. A sleeper can be used as an alternative to blankets.

A firm surface is the safest for a baby. Babies should never be placed to sleep in waterbeds, featherbeds, bean bags, sofas, pillows or sleeping bags. A home where an infant is sleeping should be smoke free. Smoking around an infant increases the risk for SIDS.

According to Dr. James S. Kemp, MD FAAP, recent research concluded that "shared sleep surfaces in the U.S. are unsafe for infants, and that cribs are the safest places for babies to sleep." Many well meaning caregivers and parents place infants in an adult bed. If a parent chooses to do this, it is important to follow the same recommendations already described. Place infant on his or her back on a firm mattress. Avoid quilts, blankets and comforters. Do not overdress the infant. If an adult is taking a baby to an adult bed, the adult should refrain from drugs, alcohol or any kind of medication that would prevent them from waking up.

During waking hours, infants should be allowed "tummy time" in order to stimulate their growth and should be under the supervision of a caregiver. For sleeping, infants should always be placed on their backs.

For more information on safe sleeping, contact the Randolph County Health Department. 660-263-6643 ext 3053.