Every Baby Should Have a Safe Place to Sleep

Sadly, some babies will die within the first year of life. While many people are aware of SIDS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – many babies who die before their first birthday, do so as a result of an unsafe sleeping arrangement. Our trained staff is available to work with any parent, family, or community group who would like to learn more about safe sleep for babies.

Call our office to schedule a visit or program:              607-772-0517 or email: safesleep@mothersandbabies.org

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Every year in the United States, approximately 3,500 infant deaths occur due to accidental suffocation, asphyxia, or undetermined causes during sleep.

These Deaths Are Preventable

DO NOT BEDSHARE – the act of bringing an infant into a sleep environment with adults, other children, or pets puts the baby in danger of suffocating, either by being smothered in bedding; by positional asphyxia, which occurs when a baby’s position prevents them person from breathing adequately; or by being accidentally rolled over by a sleeping companion (overlay).

ROOMSHARE – Babies should sleep on close, but separate, surface in the same room as the caregiver. A BABY WHO BEDSHARES IS AT 40 TIMES GREATER RISK OF DYING.

Place Babies on their Backs to Sleep

Tummy Sleeping

On the tummy, the windpipe is below the food tube. Anything that is spit up will flow down by gravity to the lowest point. It is now easier for spit up to be breathed into the lungs.

Back Sleeping

On the back, the windpipe is above the food tube. Anything that is spit up will be pushed back down by gravity to the lowest point. The windpipe is protected.

Cribs for Kids

Every year in the United States, approximately 3,500 infant deaths occur due to accidental suffocation, asphyxia, or undetermined causes during sleep. The mission of the national Cribs for Kids program is to prevent these deaths by educating parents and caregivers on the importance of practicing safe sleep and by providing Graco® Pack ‘n Play® portable cribs to families who, otherwise, cannot afford a safe place for their babies to sleep.

Mothers & Babies is the official South Central NY Chapter of the national Cribs for Kids program (all 8 counties). If you need a crib for your baby, contact M&BPN 1-800-231-0744 or email safesleep@mothersandbabies.org. Mothers and Babies has partnered with Cribs for Kids to promote the Safe Sleep Ambassador Program! Below is a list of trained and certified Safe Sleep Ambassadors.

Safe Sleep Ambassadors:

  • Rachel Leri
  • Christie Finch
  • Kelly Hopkins
  • Jill Amara-Gutierrez
  • Melissa Marsh
  • Salka Valerio
  • Amanda Pan
  • Janet Lucik
  • Bonnie Coddington
  • Kimberly Hackley
  • Nicole Rogers – Rural Health Network
  • Marcina McNeil
  • Talia Horowitz
  • Van Chau
  • Tera Stanton
  • Sharon Chesna
  • Holly Brozetti Fuller
  • Amanda Spaulding – Teen Pregnancy & Parenting Program, Child Development Council – Ithaca
  • Aileen Pan
  • Dawn Wesko
  • Sue Seibold-Simpson – M&BPN Board Member
  • Kerry Gallagher – M&BPN Board Member
  • Suzanne Giancoli – CIDS Elmira
  • Rachel McAvoy – CIDS Elmira
  • Nancy Libous
  • Jessica Soto-Moyer – Child Development Council
  • Shari Sterling – M&BPN Board Member
  • Alicia Beekman
  • Lauryn Maleski
  • Hayley Pazzaglia
  • Karyn Palmer

The rules keep changing… How do I know if I’m doing the right thing?

It is important to understand why the “rules” or recommendations have changed so much over time. Doctors have studied reasons that babies may die in their sleep for many years. Every time they learn more, they pass this information on to parents so that these risks can be avoided. Taking these steps has saved thousands of babies.

A healthy baby will turn his head if he spits or vomits. Back sleeping is much safer since a baby may not be able to lift his head away from a pool of vomit near his mouth if he is on his tummy.

A baby may not fall into as deep a sleep if she is on her back; this is a good thing. Back sleeping will help her to wake up if she gets in trouble with her breathing. Also, a baby that is on her back is not as likely to breath in carbon dioxide because she has a good supply of fresh air around her mouth and nose. Once they are able to turn over on their own, you do not have to worry about turning them back over.

Adult beds, recliners, and couches are not safe places for babies to sleep. Pillows, blankets, backs of couches and recliners can get pushed up against his face and cause his breathing to stop. A baby can also get trapped between the mattress and headboard or wall. We have had very sad case, when a mom, dad, or other adult has rolled over on the baby during sleep, and the baby has died. A baby is safest when he is in the same room as his parents, but not in the same bed.

A baby may push her face up against bumpers or a blanket or anything else in the crib, causing a build-up of carbon dioxide around her face and nose. Instead of blankets, use a sleep sack or heavy sleeper to keep your baby warm.

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