{"id":7272,"date":"2022-02-02T13:58:50","date_gmt":"2022-02-02T18:58:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/intersections\/?p=7272"},"modified":"2022-02-02T14:05:51","modified_gmt":"2022-02-02T19:05:51","slug":"safe-sleep-for-babies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/intersections\/2022\/02\/02\/safe-sleep-for-babies\/","title":{"rendered":"Safe Sleep for Babies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Source: https:\/\/pixabay.com\/photos\/people-baby-blanket-boy-child-2942980\/<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Written by: Ellie Kim, Writer & Social Media Coordinator<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating a safe sleeping environment for your baby is crucial. As parents, it is important to follow proper sleep protocols at all times to minimize potential risks. Over 3500 babies die every year from SIDS, sudden infant death syndrome<\/a>, which is when an infant under the age of 1 year dies unexpectedly in their sleep. Although not all cases can be directly connected to a specific cause, the number of cases would be much lower if proper infant sleep protocols were followed. The Family Care office has compiled a list of protocols that you should follow to ensure safe sleep for your baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The Bare Crib<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is easy for parents to be misled when setting up a baby\u2019s crib. In baby stores or magazines, blankets and stuffed toys are constantly shown, making parents feel the need to fill the cribs with various things for aesthetic purpose. However, it is important that babies sleep in a bare crib with no pillows, blankets, or other comforters that could potentially suffocate<\/a> or overheat<\/a> babies in their sleep. The only thing that is needed is a tightly fitted bed sheet. You can still make your baby\u2019s bed look nice \u2013 just make sure to remove everything before putting the baby down to sleep in the crib.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) Room Sharing VS Bed-Sharing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Room sharing, having your baby sleep in the same room as you is encouraged, especially for the first 6 to 12 months. This will allow you to bond with your baby and attend to any emergencies immediately. On the other hand, bed-sharing is risky and not encouraged. Many parents decide to bed-share to make breastfeeding easier and to prolong the duration. However, it is important to keep in mind the potential risks of bed-sharing<\/a>, which include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n