Sleep is a crucial time for your baby, a time when they get the rest they need (and give you some rest too!). The month of October is a time to raise awareness and to get information about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a tragic problem that affects some infants. So for this “Safe to Sleep Month,” let’s take the important opportunity to reflect on practices that can minimize the risk of SIDS.
Although it’s a topic that can feel heavy, education is key to prevention and peace of mind. Understanding how to create a safe sleep environment can help reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related dangers.
What is SIDS?
SIDS is the unexpected death of a healthy infant, usually during sleep, within the first year of life. Though the exact cause is unknown, research shows that creating a safe sleep environment can greatly lower the risk.
How Common is SIDS?
SIDS remains the leading cause of death for infants aged one month to one year. According to CDC data, 1,545 infants died from SIDS in 2014, the most recent year for which data is available. While unlikely, SIDS does present an important risk to your infant and it is crucial to inform yourself about how to best prevent it.
Safe Sleep Practices
Follow these simple guidelines to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related issues:
1. Place Your Baby on Their Back to Sleep
Place your baby on their back for every sleep—both naps and nighttime. Research shows this position dramatically lowers the risk of SIDS compared to tummy or side sleeping.
2. Use a Firm Mattress
Choosing a supportive mattress that fits snugly in the crib is essential for your baby’s safety. Soft, plush surfaces can heighten the risk of suffocation, so it’s important to select a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet.
Consider a mattress made with certified organic materials, free from harmful chemicals, to provide a safe and healthy sleep environment for your little one. That way you can ensure peaceful nights for both baby and parents.
3. Keep the Crib Bare
Less is more when it comes to your baby’s crib. Remove any pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and bumper pads. These items can pose suffocation risks. A simple fitted sheet on a firm mattress is all your baby needs.
4. Share a Room
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep in the same room as their parent or caregiver for at least the first six months, ideally up to one year. This practice can lower the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%.
5. Avoid Overheating
Dress your baby in light, breathable sleepwear and keep the room at a comfortable temperature. Avoid heavy blankets, which can increase the risk of overheating—a factor linked to SIDS.
Raising Awareness
October serves as a reminder to all of us—parents, caregivers, and communities—that safe sleep practices are essential in protecting our little ones. Whether you’re a new parent or know someone who’s expecting, spreading awareness about SIDS and safe sleep can make a meaningful difference in infant health.
At My Green Mattress, we’re committed to supporting families by offering eco-friendly, non-toxic sleep solutions that prioritize safety with a firm, breathable crib mattress. During this important awareness-raising month, we encourage you to take time to review and implement safe sleep practices, helping ensure your baby’s sleep environment is as safe as possible.
For more information on SIDS prevention and safe sleep, visit trusted resources like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).
