Derrick Stone Safe Sleep

Derrick Stone Safe Sleep's mission is to decrease infant mortality by spreading awareness, education, and resources.

ABCs

Safe Sleep Basics

You can protect your infant from a sleep related accident by practicing safe sleep standards, better known as the ABC’s of safe sleep. By following the ABC’s of safe sleep you eliminate the many risks of a sleep related accident and protect your child’s life.

A stands for alone.

Babies must sleep alone. They must have their own designated sleep spot, just for them. Sharing the bed is unsafe and is not recommended. Their sleep spot must be clear of all clutter such as loose bedding, stuffed animals, toy, crib accessories, ect. The only thing that is safe to sleep with a baby is a clean and dry pacifier.

B stands for back.

Flat, back position is best for baby. It protects them from positional asphyxiation, airway obstruction, overheating, aspiration, and rebreathing. Since the Back is Best Campaign infant death rate has decreased by half. Your baby will begin to roll over on their own and that’s OK. Remember to always place them on their back and allow them to position themselves.

C stands for cot.

Babies must sleep in a safety approved crib or bassinet. It’s important to make sure that your crib is up to current safety standards. The cot must be bare, clear of all clutter. The mattress must be flat and firm with a tight fitted sheet.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can babies sleep in sitting devices such as car seats, swings, or bouncers?

NO, if you ever see your baby asleep in any sitting device, relocate them to their safety approved cot as soon as possible. Due to the devices not being flat and firm, they can lead to positional asphyxiation. Make sure that your car seat is installed properly. If you are taking a long trip, it’s recommended to stop every 60-90 minutes to take baby out of their car seat.

How do I keep my baby warm if not blankets are allowed in the crib?

Sleep sacks are recommended by the AAP as long as they are NOT weighted. Remember it’s critical to make sure baby does not overheat.

How can I protect my baby from overheating?

Dress baby in light clothing, make sure the room is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit, make sure the room is well ventilated, and never put the sleep area in direct sunlight.

What do I do if I can not afford a safe sleep spot?

First try reaching out to your local heath department and see if they are partnering with Cribs For Kids or know anyone local that provides safe sleep spots for your baby.

We understand that not everyone will have access to a crib. If you are unable to get a crib, you can still make a safe sleep environment for your baby. Consider placing your baby in a study, bare, firm cardboard box or a dresser drawer that is bare and flat.

Why is sharing the bed with my baby unsafe?

Bedsharing can increase a baby’s risk of a sleep-related death by 10 times. Bedsharing increases the risk even if you and breastfeeding and not under the influence. There are many dangers of an adult bed including entrapment/wedging between wall and bed, suffocation due to the mattress itself because it is not firm enough for an infant, and loose bedding. Anyone or anything that sleeps with a baby is a risk factor. Babies must sleep alone in their designated safety approved sleep spot to eliminate the risks of a sleep-related accident.

Why are crib accessories not safe?

Accessories that were not sold with the crib are not safety approved and should never be added. Crib bumpers are unnecessary because of new crib standards require that the slats are 2 3/8″ wide max.

Are there times when you baby should be on their stomach?

Yes! You should give your baby supervised and awake tummy time. This is a great way to bond and helps baby strengthen their muscles to meet their milestones, such as rolling over. Remember to only place a baby to bed on their back. Tummy to play, back to bed!

SIDS vs sleep related accidents

SIDS is a term used to describe the sudden death of a baby under the age of 1 that has no known cause. Sleep related accidents happen because of risk factors that can be eliminated. Accidents can be prevented by following the ABC’s of safe sleep.

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