Safe Sleep Practices for SIDS and SUIDS Prevention

SIDS is the most common cause of death in infants aged one month to a year and the third leading cause of infant mortality in the United States, Indiana ranking 6th place in infant mortality. Indianapolis Healthy Start focus with its Safe Sleep Class is to raise awareness with expecting moms, and anyone else that comes in contact with that baby, about the risks of co-sharing a bed with the infant, understanding the difference between SIDS & SUIDS and the risks that both present to a new born child.  

  • Put baby to sleep alone in a Crib.
  • Putting baby to sleep on his/her back.
  • No over dressing/overheating a baby.
  • No drugs, alcohol, smoking during or after pregnancy.
  • Spacing pregnancies.

If you need assistance with locating childcare providers or baby safety programs near you, please call the MCH MOMS Helpline (1-844-MCH-MOMS or 1-844-624-6667).

Safe Sleep Flyer English PDF
Safe Sleep Flyer Spanish PDF
Safe Sleep Flyer Haitian Creole PDF
Safe Sleep Flyer Hakha Chin PDF
Safe Sleep Flyer Burmese PDF

Safe Sleep Guardians

Below are the guidelines used by FIRST CANDLE for media and other handouts
Website: https://firstcandle.org/safe-sleep-guardians/

Sleep Space & Surface

  • Crib, bassinet, or other safe space is bare (no blanket, quilt, pillows, bumper pads, sheepskin, stuffed animals, or toys).
  • Bassinet does not have padded sides.
  • Baby is not sleeping on any surface other than a firm mattress (i.e., not on a parent’s chest, adult bed, sofa, chair, or pillow).
  • Mattress fits snugly in crib, bassinet, or other safe space and covered with only a fitted sheet. Crib mattress is at the lowest level for babies old enough to pull up or stand.
  • Crib does not have a drop side.
  • Crib slats appear to be narrow (i.e., not wide enough to fit a soda can through). Baby is not sleeping in a positioner or on a wedge.
  • Baby is not sleeping in car seat, stroller, swing, bouncy seat, infant carrier, infant sling, or a similar product.
  • Baby’s sleep space is not near a window, draperies, blind/shade cords, or electric wires. Baby is not sleeping near a crib gym or mobile.
  • Nothing is hung from or around the crib slats.

Baby

  • Baby is on back.
  • Baby is sleeping alone. Baby’s head is uncovered.
  • Baby is dressed in a wearable blanket or other sleep clothing for warmth, without the use of blankets.
  • Baby is sleeping in a separate sleep space within arm’s reach of Mom, Dad, or other caregiver.

Feeding

  • If Mom is breastfeeding baby in her bed Mom’s eyes are open.
  • Baby’s bassinet or other safe space is empty and visible near Mom’s bed.
  • Mom’s bed is free of sheets, blankets, pillows, and any other item that could obstruct infant breathing if she should fall asleep; other people; and pets.

Other Considerations

  • If baby is having tummy time, her eyes are open and an adult is watching.
  • If baby has a pacifier, the pacifier is cordless and not attached to a stuffed toy or baby’s clothing.
  • If baby is swaddled, the blanket used to swaddle baby is thin. The blanket is wrapped no higher than baby’s shoulders (not touching baby’s face or head). The swaddle does not appear to be wrapped too tight; loose ends are tucked under baby.

Services

FIMR Safe Sleep Work Groups and Classes
Offers safe sleep education through classes and home visits, learn more at: https://togetherindycan.org/safe-sleep-work-groups/

Resources

Indianapolis Healthy Start / Comienzos Saludables: (317) 221-2131

  • Offers a variety of classes to help expecting moms including Safe Sleep Classes for moms on their 3rd trimester (27-40 weeks).
  • Indianapolis Healthy Start provides expecting mom (36+ weeks) with a Pack N Play to take home.
  • Bilingual Safe Sleep Classes
  • Classes are offered both in English and Spanish.
  • Classes are offered at Indianapolis Healthy Start (317-221-2317) at 4087 Millersville Rd., or in the community.

American Academy of Pediatrics
Safe Sleep Campaign Toolkit: https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/campaigns-and-toolkits/safe-sleep/
AAP Safe Sleep Policy: https://players.brightcove.net/6056665225001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6368270538112

First Candle: https://firstcandle.org/

Charlie’s Kids Foundation: https://www.charlieskids.org/

Educating Families about SIDS and Safe Sleep: https://www.charlieskids.org/resources

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