 |
 Put
baby on the back to sleep from birthSleep
baby with face uncoveredCigarette
smoke is bad for babies |
|
Put
baby on the back to sleep,from birth . . .
|
| Sleeping on the back reduces the
risk of SIDS. The chance of babies dying from SIDS is greater if they
sleep on their tummies or sides. Put your baby on the back to sleep, from
birth, unless your doctor or nurse tells you otherwise. Healthy babies
placed to sleep on the back are less likely to choke on vomit than tummy
sleeping infants. If you are unsure about the best way to sleep your baby, speak with your doctor or nurse. Tummy play is safe and good for babies when they are awake and an adult is present. But remember not to put baby on the tummy to sleep. Baby-sitters and others who care for your baby may not know that tummy or side sleeping increases the risk of SIDS. Explain this to them before you leave your baby in their care. Older babies in the cot can turn over and move around the cot. Put them on the back but let them find their own sleeping position. The risk of SIDS in babies over six months is extremely low. |
|
Sleep
baby with face uncovered . . .
|
| Be careful your baby's face and
head stay uncovered during sleep as this decreases the risk of SIDS. A good way to do this is to put baby's feet at the bottom of the cot, so that baby can't slip down under the blankets. You might decide not to use blankets at all and instead, use a safe baby sleeping bag: one with fitted neck and armholes. |
|
When
baby is put to sleep check that . . .
|
| Baby
is tucked in securely or is in a safe sleeping bagCot
bedding is not looseThere
are no quilts, doonas, duvets, pillows, or cot bumpers in the cot. |
|
Taking
baby into an adult bed may be unsafe if baby . . .
|
| Gets
caught under adult bedding or pillowsIs
trapped between the wall and the bedFalls
out of bedIs
rolled on by someone who sleeps very deeply or who is affected by drugs
or alcohol. |
|
Cigarette
smoke is bad for babies . . .
|
Cigarette smoke harms babies before birth and after. Parents who smoke during pregnancy and after the baby is born increase the risk of SIDS for their baby. In fact, if mother smokes, the risk of SIDS doubles, and if father smokes too, the risk doubles again. There is an increased risk of SIDS if parents are smokers, even if they smoke outside, away from the baby. If mothers who smoke bedshare with their babies the risk of SIDS is increased. The reasons for this are not clear. However, we do know that being a non-smoker or smoking less will reduce the risk for your baby. Try not to let anyone smoke near your baby - not in the house, the car or anywhere else your baby spends time. |
|
If
you want to quit smoking and you're not finding it easy, ask for help.
Call the Quitline on 131 848 or ask your doctor, midwife or child health nurse for information and advice. |
Information courtesy of
Suite 3,98 Morang Road,Victoria 3122. Phone:03 9819 4595
For further detailed information please contact Sidsandkids direct or visit their website @ www.sidsandkids.org
