Last week, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their safe sleep recommendations for the first time since 2016. About 3,500 infants die from sleep-related incidents annually in the United States. Here are some of the AAP’s recommendations to reduce the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID):
- Infants should sleep on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface that follows the federal safety standards for cribs, bassinets, or play yards.
- Sitting devices, such as car seats, strollers, swings, infant carriers, and infant slings, should not be used for sleep, particularly for infants younger than four months.
- AAP recommends that parents sleep in the same room – not in the same bed – as the infant for the first six months.
- Pacifier use has shown to reduce risk of SUID.
- Supervised, awake tummy time facilitates infant development and minimizes development of positional plagiocephaly. Parents should practice tummy time for short periods beginning soon after hospital discharge and increase incrementally to at least 15 to 30 minutes daily by seven weeks of age.
Read the AAP’s full safe sleep guidelines here.
A new CPSC standard went into effect last week which states that any products marketed or intended for infant sleep that do not already conform to the bassinet, crib or play yard standard must meet the bassinet standard. This applies to products manufactured after June 23, 2022. So while you still may see non-compliant products for sale, do not purchase, new or used.
If you have any questions regarding safe sleep recommendations, please leave a comment below or contact us through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
