DCFS is urging parents of infants to create a safe sleep environment for their babies. According to statistics, about 90 babies die in their sleep each year in Louisiana, with most deaths being preventable. Secretary Rebecca Harris says there are several basic rules that parents always need to follow.
“Making sure that they are in their own bed to sleep, that they are on their backs for every sleep and that there’s no other objects in the bed with them that could impact or obstruct their breathing,” Harris advised.
Harris says adults should never share a bed with a baby under any circumstances.
“Sometimes we want to hold babies until they fall asleep or we want to lay them next to us in the bed and cuddle with them; but the best thing we can do for our babies is put them in their beds, by themselves, for sleep,” Harris explained.
Also, it may seem counterintuitive for adults, but you should never place pillows or blankets inside a baby’s crib. Harris says the same goes for teddy bears and other stuffed animals.
“Sometimes babies, they wiggle around and move themselves, and sometimes large stuffed animals can move. And so, anything that gets in the way of babies breathing while they are sleeping can end up in a very tragic situation,” Harris noted.
Harris says once a baby is old enough to move into a toddler bed, then you can add pillows and stuffed animals.
More information about safe sleep, including resources and videos for parents and caregivers, can be found at GiveYourBabySpace.org.
