Infant Safe Sleep
What Is Safe Sleep?
Safe Sleep is a term used to describe the professional recommendations that parents and caregivers should follow to best protect their infant from a sleep-related death or injury. Safe Sleep methods are proven to lower the risk of tragedies, such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), choking, or accidental strangulation.
Why Is Safe Sleep Important?
Failure to follow Safe Sleep guidelines can put the infant in danger. The complications from an unsafe sleep environment may lead to severe injury and even Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).
SUID is a term used to describe the sudden and unexpected death of a baby less than 1 year old in which the cause was not obvious before investigation. These deaths often happen during sleep or in the baby’s sleep area.
The CDC describes three classifications listed under the broad SUID categorization:
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Unknown Cause
- Accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed
How Do I Practice Safe Sleep For My Infant?
The Jessamine County Health Department supports that the most effective way to protect your infant is to follow the ABCDs of safe sleep.
Alone | Stay close and sleep apart
Back | On their back for the night and naps
Crib | In a clean and clear crib
Danger | Be aware and not impaired
The Jessamine County Health Department partners with Cribs for Kids to distribute Cribette Portable Cribs to local families in need of a separate safe sleeping space for their baby. Click the button below to learn more about the Cribs for Kids program or to submit a referral.