Ensuring safe sleep for infants: A guide for Arizona parents, caregivers

A good night’s sleep for babies often brings relief and peace of mind to parents, who can finally take a break. Since infants spend a significant amount of time sleeping in their first year, with brief interruptions for feeding and occasional fussing, it’s important to recognize the possible risks associated with sleep.

Being informed about these risks and knowing how to mitigate them is essential for creating a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby.

Understanding the ABCDs of Safe Sleep

One of the most critical sleep-related risks for infants is Sudden Unexpected Infant Death — SUID. A baby’s sleep space can pose potential hazards, including suffocation, strangulation,or even death. To reduce these risks, following the ABCDs of safe sleep is highly recommended: Alone, on their Back, in a Crib and Dressed Comfortably.

1. Alone: Babies should always sleep by themselves. Sleeping in the same bed with an adult or another child can increase the risk of suffocation or rolling onto the baby. Instead, create a safe sleep environment by having your baby sleep in a crib or bassinet in the same room as you, but not in your bed. This allows you to attend to your baby’s needs without compromising their safety.
2. Back: Always place your baby on their back when putting them to sleep or during naps. Sleeping on the stomach or side can increase the risk of suffocation due to the baby’s face being pressed against the mattress or bedding. Back sleeping is the safest position for your baby, ensuring they can breathe easily and safely.
3. Crib: It’s crucial to transition your sleepy baby from swings, bouncers or car seats to a safe and designated sleep space, such as a crib, bassinet or portable play yard. These spaces should offer a firm, flat surface that is free from any clutter, allowing your baby to sleep without any obstruction. The sleep area should be clear of blankets, pillows, toys and bumper pads, as these can present choking or suffocation risks.
4. Dressed comfortably: Avoid overdressing your baby or using heavy blankets that could cause overheating. Instead, dress your baby in lightweight sleepwear and keep the room temperature comfortable. Additionally, avoid using items that could come loose and cover your baby’s face during sleep.

Encouraging healthy habits beyond sleep

In addition to promoting safe sleep, consider incorporating tummy time into your baby’s daily routine while they’re awake. This simple, supervised activity helps build strength in your baby’s arms, shoulders and trunk. It also helps prevent flat spots from forming on your baby’s soft skull. Start tummy time as early as day one, aiming for 15 to 30 minutes a day by the time your baby is 7 weeks old.

Join in the fight against Sudden Unexpected Infant Death

Families are invited to take part in the 13th Annual Team Taylor Fun Run from 8 to 10 a.m. Sunday, April 6. The event will take place in the scenic streets of Arcadia, starting at the Arcadia Canal at North Arcadia Drive and 48th Street.

This three-mile fun run is an opportunity for the community to come together and raise awareness for families affected by SUID. All proceeds will benefit the Phoenix Children’s Home Safety & Safe Sleep Program, providing expert guidance and resources for new parents, caregivers, and the community at large.

To learn more about safe sleep practices and resources, visit Phoenix Children's Safe Sleep for Infants.

Editor’s note: IIce Alexander is an injury prevention specialist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.