MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

REDUCING RISK — Here are some things parents can do to lower the risk of a sleep-related death.

Breastfeeding • Offer a pacifier for sleep (if breastfeeding is going well). See page 53. • Breastfeeding is linked to lowering your baby’s risk of SIDS. Breastfeeding longer and exclusively increases this level of protection. Breastfeeding for at least 6 months offers maximum SIDS protection. • Don’t fall asleep while holding your baby. Breastfeeding hormones make you sleepy; set an alarm to prevent dozing off. Don’t breastfeed on soft furniture; your baby could slip down and become wedged. ̵Risk of sleep-related infant death is higher when infants sleep with someone, on a couch, soft armchair, or cushion

Clothing • Dress your baby in clothing designed for sleep (one-piece sleeper). • Your baby should wear only one layer more than you’re wearing. • Avoid weighted sleep sacks, swaddles, or blankets. • Keep your baby’s head and face uncovered during sleep. • Don’t put a hat on your baby’s head indoors.

Smoking • Don’t smoke, vape, or use nicotine around your baby. • Don’t expose your baby to smoke or toxic chemical fumes. • Don’t use alcohol, marijuana, opioids, or illicit drugs around your baby.

Products • Don’t use home cardiorespiratory, heart, or pulse oximetry monitors of any kind. • Don’t use any wedge, positioner, or product claiming to lower SIDS risk by keeping your baby in a specific position.

Why Babies Must Sleep on a Flat Surface • If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller, swing, infant carrier, or sling, place them on their back on a firm, flat surface as soon as possible. • Sleeping sitting up can cause your baby’s chin to slip down onto their chest and close off their airway; sleeping on their back helps keep your baby’s airway open.

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Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care