Remember the "ABCs" to keep your infant safe while sleeping

(WJBK) - According to the most current data available from the Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI), an average of three infants die each week due to unsafe sleep in the state of Michigan. 

Despite the fact that a national public education campaign urging caregivers to put babies to sleep on their backs began in 1994 (24 years ago), half the babies found unresponsive were not on their backs. 

Most parents admit they have heard that babies should not be allowed to sleep in bed with people, they should sleep on their backs and all the other current recommendations, but they "chose" to put their babies on their stomachs and sleep with them - mainly because those practices had been handed down to them from trusted family members and friends. Yes, change is difficult. But, when it comes to preventing sleep-related infant deaths: "To change is difficult. Not to change could be fatal."

From birth to one year, the Kohl's Safe 4 Kids (KS4K) program advises you to follow the current recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) for every sleep. To keep your precious baby safe while they are sleeping, follow the ABCs of Safe Sleep.

Joann Moss, the injury prevention education coodrinator with Children's Hospital of Michigan, joined us in studio to tell us more. You can hear from her in the video player above. 

Alone
    Don't allow baby to share any sleep surface: bed, couch, recliner, floor etc. 
    Keep pillows, blankets, bumpers, stuffed animals, etc. out of the crib

Back 
    Babies should not be allowed to sleep long periods in car seats, swings, or bouncers; flat on their back is the safest sleep position.  

Crib
    Pack 'n plays and bassinets are also safe. 

Smoke-free 
    Second-hand smoke is smoke inhaled while others are smoking.
    Third-hand smoke is residual nicotine and other chemicals left on indoor surfaces by tobacco smoke (i.e. clothes, skin, carpet, furniture, car interiors…)
    Second and third-hand smoke can affect a baby's brain, lungs and heart. 

Other Factors Affecting Sleep-Related Deaths:
    Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of sudden unexplained infant deaths (SUIDS).
    Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of SIDS. 
    Excessive clothing or blankets and a higher temperature in the room are associated with an increased SIDS risk.
    The AAP recommends offering an infant a pacifier at naptime and bedtime to reduce the risk of SIDS. 
 
For more information visit: childrensdmc.org/KS4K