Since the AAP recommended all babies should be placed on their backs to sleep in 1992, deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome have declined dramatically. But sleep-related deaths from other causes, including suffocation, entrapment and asphyxia, have increased. In an updated policy statement, the AAP is expanding its guidelines on safe sleep for babies, with additional information for parents on creating a safe environment for their babies to sleep. Rachel Moon, MD, FAAP explains how parents can help their babies sleep safely in a video.
Synopsis:
The American Academy of Pediatric (AAP) Task Force on SIDS unveiled their updated and expanded recommendations at the AAP conference yesterday in Boston, Ma. The new recommendations encompass all elements of safe sleep for infants, not just SIDS. What's new? For the first time, the Task Force has come out AGAINST the use of crib bumpers. They are also now specifically recommending breast feeding as a risk reduction measure as well as infant vaccinations. The task force cites evidence that vaccinations reduce the risk of SIDS by 50%. The report also for the first time states that there is NO epidemiological evidence that supports bed sharing as a SIDS risk reduction measure and that there is insufficient evidence to recommend ANY bed sharing situation in the hospital or at home as safe; in addition, devices promoted to make bed sharing “safe” are not recommended. Room sharing with your infant is recommended.
The Task Force is by no means saying that if a parent follows all these guidelines that your baby can not die from SIDS. Based on all epidemiological and scientific evidence these measures can reduce the risk.
