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: Alone
Never sleep with your baby in the bed, chair or couch.
B: Back
Always place your baby flat on his or her back for all sleep times - naps and nighttime.
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.
Learn more safety tips with one of our classes
August 09, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
New Dad 101
August 09, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Sentara Norfolk Family Maternity Center Tours
August 10, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Taking Care of Baby - Sentara Leigh Hospital
August 11, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Sentara Williamsburg Breastfeeding Support Group
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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