Infant Safe Sleep Recommendations

Native News Network Staff in Native Health. Discussion »

Chrystal Wyaco-Little
& Camden-Diné

BETHESDA, MARYLAND - American Indian/Alaska Native babies are twice as likely as non-Hispanic white babies to die from sudden infant death syndrome, according to Indian Health Service.

Representatives of the agencies in the US Department of Health and Human Services with a focus on infant health and safety today expressed their support for the new infant safe sleep recommendations issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The American Academy of Pediatrics announced the expansion of its recommendations for reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome to include recommendations for a safe sleep environment for all infants.

Many of the sleep environment risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome - bed sharing and soft bedding materials, for example - have accounted for the accidental suffocation observed in many cases of sudden unexpected infant death, which describes any sudden and unexpected death of a child under 1 year of age, whether explained or unexplained.

The new recommendations were developed to reduce the risk of infant death from sudden infant death syndrome as well as death from known sleep-related causes, such as suffocation from soft bedding materials and entrapment from inappropriate sleep situations, such as becoming lodged between a mattress and headboard. Providing a safe sleep environment has the potential to reduce sudden infant death syndrome risk as well as reduce the risk for sudden unexpected infant death.

The American Academy of Pediatrics top twelve recommendations are listed here:

For the comprehensive recommendations, visit the American Academy Pediatrics website »

posted October 24, 2011 6:10 am edt