SAFE SLEEP: The Safe Way to Co-Sleep and Breastfeed

Every year families are impacted by SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in the state of Delaware and throughout the country. SIDS is the sudden, unexplained death of a baby younger than one year of age that doesn’t have a known cause even after an investigation.

We can help more babies celebrate their first birthday, by following the safe sleep recommendations set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. One recommendation is to encourage breastfeeding. Babies who are breastfed the first 6 months of their lives are at a lower risk of SIDS. Another recommendation is to never let a baby sleep in a bed with anyone. Babies who sleep in an adult bed with (or without) one or more adults are at a higher risk of SIDS.

It is ok to bring your baby into bed to breastfeed, but remember babies should always sleep alone to reduce the risk of SIDS. When it’s time to go to sleep, place your baby in a separate, safe sleep space near your bed (i.e. crib or pack n play). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you share a room with your baby, but not a bed, to support breastfeeding. This will allow you to bond and avoid the risks of bed-sharing. Here is more information on how to co-sleep with your baby WITHOUT bed-sharing.

We know there are sometimes barriers to breastfeeding or maybe you are confused about safe sleep. Ask your health care professional about breastfeeding support and or safe sleep practices or dial 2-1-1 to reach the Help Me Grow contact line. It is a service exclusively for those in Delaware who are looking for answers, services, or programs that can help them raise a happy and healthy child. Don’t hesitate to call. You can also ask us questions on social media! Join our community on Facebook and Twitter.