The ABCs of safe sleep

Dear editor,
I wanted to write and discuss safe sleep of infants to prevent SIDS or sudden infant death
syndrome. SIDS is also known as crib death because it most often happens when in the crib. It is
an unexpected death of otherwise healthy infants before the age of one. The most useful way to
prevent this is by using the ABCs of safe sleep. This is an easy way to remember how to put an
infant to sleep. A: alone, this means absolutely nothing else in the crib with the infant, no
blankets, toys, or other people should be with the infant. It is safest to place the crib in the same
room as the parent, so they are close if anything happens. B: back, the infant should be placed on
its back to sleep. This promotes an open airway for the infant and helps them to breath correctly.
C: crib, infants should always sleep in their crib. This prevents things like falling off a couch or
chair and keeps the infant safe. There are safety standards for cribs, and it is important to be sure
your crib meets these standards. Infants should sleep of a firm surface. It is important to follow
these pointers to promote the safest sleep for your infant and decrease risks of SIDS.
Thank you,
Rebecca Goterba YSU, SN