According to the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, an alarming number of infants in our community have died this year due to unsafe sleeping conditions. Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Chief of Staff Dr. Sanjie Garza-Cox, a neonatologist, is serving as chair of a task force comprised of doctors from each health care system in San Antonio to ensure all new parents are receiving information about safe sleep for babies. Here are guidelines from the Safe to Sleep® Campaign on how to create a safe sleep environment for babies:

Tips for Creating a Safe Sleep Environment

  • Placing your baby on his or her back to sleep for every sleep time
  • Using a firm sleep surface, like a mattress in a safety-approved crib, covered with a fitted sheet
  • Not letting your baby sleep on soft surfaces (like an adult bed, sofa, or couch)
  • Sharing a room with your baby, but not a bed
  • Making sure nothing covers the baby’s face or head
  • Keeping pillows, blankets, or crib bumpers out of your baby’s sleep area
  • Not smoking or letting other smoke around your baby
  • Dressing your baby in sleep clothing and not using a blanket
  • Breastfeeding your baby

 

Did you know that October is SIDS Awareness Month?

For questions about creating a safe sleep environment for your child, consult with your pediatrician.

 To find a pediatrician, please call 1.844.778.KIDS