How the baby should sleep to prevent one of the biggest fears, sudden death, is one of the most common concerns among parents of newborn babies.
In recommendations released yesterday, the American Pediatric Association (AAP), the most important pediatric organization in the United States, recommends that Babies sleep in the same room as parents during the first year of life to prevent the risk of sudden death.
In his own crib or bassinet
Pediatricians clarify that babies they should not sleep in the same bed as their parents, neither on a sofa or on a soft surface, but should do so in their own crib or bassinet, but located in the same room as the parents.
Colecho cribs are ideal for complying with these recommendations, as they are attached to the parents' bed and allow the baby to be very close without getting up from the bed and at hand for anything you might need.
Without video surveillance devices
Technology has advanced a lot in recent years. At present we can find numerous items for remote monitoring of the baby, even with the possibility of detecting movements of the baby or transmitting images while in another room.
The AAP warns parents that it is not necessary to invest in devices or devices that are sold in the market with the message that they serve to reduce the risks of sudden death. They give one false sense of protection and its effectiveness is not proven. The most effective is parental vigilance and closeness.
Face up
The main recommendation is put the baby to sleep on his back with his head tilted to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Many of these deaths occur when a baby who is accustomed to sleeping on her back is put to sleep on her stomach. These accustomed babies are 18 times more likely to die. For its part, placing the baby on its side is not safe and is discouraged.
The posture of sleeping on your back has reduced the incidence of sudden death by 50%, but has significantly increased cases of plagiocephaly. Therefore, it is recommended to alternate the side on which the baby supports his head to prevent it from adopting non-asymmetrical shapes or deformities caused by continued postures when the baby's skull is very malleable.
Sudden Death Risk
It is estimated that one in 2,000 babies he dies due to sudden death, and it happens mostly between the fourth and sixteenth week, that is, between the first and fourth month of the baby's life. The cause is still unknown, but there are several hypotheses that relate it to abnormalities in the brain, with a genetic mutation or problems in the baby's heart.
The main recommendation is put the baby to sleep on his back. Many of these deaths occur when a baby who is accustomed to sleeping on her back is put to sleep on her stomach. These accustomed babies are 18 times more likely to die. It is also recommended to breastfeed the baby: breastfeeding is estimated to reduce the risk of sudden death by 50 to 70%,
It is not the first time that sleeping with parents is recommended as protection against sudden death. The Spanish Association of Pediatrics, in its consensus recommendations also coincides with this position:
The safest way to sleep for infants under six months is in their crib, face up, near their parents' bed. There is scientific evidence that this practice decreases the risk of SIDS by more than 50%.
Other tips to avoid sudden infant death
- Sleep on your back
- Use a firm mattress
- Avoid stuffed animals, toys, protectors, cushions and blankets in the crib
- Do not use roll cushions
- Prevent the baby from getting very hot
- Do not sleep with the baby on the couch
- Do not smoke near the baby, or sleep with him if he smokes
- Breastfeed or use a pacifier
Photos | iStockphoto
Via | CBS News
More information | AAP
In Babies and more | What is sudden infant death syndrome? In countries where babies have always slept with their parents, they hardly know what sudden death is.
