SAFE SLEEP: Setting Up Your Baby’s Crib

As a new parent, you may be extremely excited to design a space in your home for your new son or daughter. Stuffed animals, tiny pacifiers, soft blankets (to get you through the summer and winter) and other baby products consume a corner in the room. You may want the area to be comfortable and stylish for your new arrival, but safety must come first!

There are many ways to make sure your baby sleeps safe. Parents that follow safe sleep rules greatly reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). One rule is that NOTHING should be in your baby’s crib besides a fitted sheet. Peek into your child’s crib to see if it is baby safe!

Here are other items that you should avoid putting in your baby’s crib:

• No stuffed animals
• No bumpers/bumper pads
• No sleep positioners
• No toys
• No loose bedding, such as sheets, blankets, quilts, or comforters

 

You may think the crib looks plain and boring after removing all decorative items from the crib. You can always redecorate the crib when the baby is not sleeping in it! Items in the crib can impair the infant’s ability to breathe if they are close to his/her face. There is no proven way to prevent SIDS. As a parent, you can reduce the risk significantly by making sure your baby sleeps safely. The more informed Delawareans are about safe sleep, the greater the chance our babies will have to live their dreams! For more information on safe sleep, visit https://dethrives.com/safe-sleep/overview