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In 2022, 28% of sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) were due to accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed (ASSB). These tragic losses of life are easily preventable by creating a safe sleeping environment for your baby.

The ABCs of safe sleep

  • a baby sleeping alone in her bed

    A: Alone

    Never sleep with your baby in the bed, chair or couch.

  • a baby sleeping in her crib on her back

    B: Back

    Always place your baby flat on his or her back for all sleep times - naps and nighttime.

  • newborn sleeping in a crib

    C: Crib

    Always place your baby in a safety-approved crib or bassinet with a non-inclined firm mattress and a fitted sheet.

Creating a safe sleeping environment

  • Never have pillows, blankets, bumper pads, stuffed animals, or loose bedding in the crib.
  • Practice room sharing with your baby for at least 6 months to one year. Studies have shown that when babies share a room with their parents during this time, it can help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
  • Only bring your baby to your bed with no pillows, sheets or blankets near baby when feeding or comforting.
  • Never sleep with your baby.
  • Do not fall asleep in a chair or recliner while holding your baby. Place your baby in his or her crib when you are tired.
  • Consider using a clean pacifier when placing your baby to sleep (if breastfed, use once breastfeeding is well established). However, the pacifier should not be attached to anything during sleep time.
  • Avoid using products that claim to prevent SUID. Always talk to your healthcare provider for their recommendations.
  • Routine sleep is not recommended in any form of infant seat carrier, strollers, swings or infant slings.
  • Reduce the risk of flat spots developing on baby’s head by providing “tummy time” while awake and avoiding long periods in car seats, carriers or bouncers.
  • Once your baby shows signs of attempting to roll, swaddling is no longer safe.
  • Prevent your baby from overheating at night by dressing your baby in a light sleeper and keeping the room temperature between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Do not smoke around your baby. This includes second-hand smoke from clothes, furniture, etc.

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Sentara Health Plans benefits and resources

Are you a Sentara Health Plans member? The following resources are available to help you with your parenting journey.

  • Maternal and child health classes: These classes through Sentara Health Plans Medicaid offer Medicaid members the advice and tools needed to help you navigate the ups and downs of parenthood.
  • Partners in Pregnancy: Sentara Health Plans Partners in Pregnancy Program provides guidance, support and education to all expectant moms enrolled in a Sentara Health Plans employer group plan, Individual & Family Health Plan, or Sentara Medicare.
  • Welcoming Baby: Welcoming Baby is an incentive-based program through Sentara Health Plans Medicaid that provides guidance, support, and education to Medicaid members who are pregnant and who have just given birth.
  • Safe Sleep Academy: Welcoming Baby offers free online training to help make sure infants younger than one year of age sleep safely. 

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