American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleep Guidelines 2022

The new AAP safe sleep guidelines are out and here's what you need to know!

They seem to be addressing some trends which I'm glad to see - 

• I'm really excited to see the  Safe Sleep for Babies Act. Sadly many preventable deaths have occurred due to commercial marketing of products that parents think are safe for sleep - including crib bumpers, loungers, nests, in-bed sleepers, and travel/compact sleepers. There's a misconception that because these products are sold in stores, they are safe. 
• They are taking a stance against products that claim to reduce the rate of SIDS. "Do not use home cardiorespiratory monitors as a strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS." There are a lot of these products out there. They say there is NO evidence that any of them reduce the risk or rate of SIDS and may give caregivers a false sense of security. I personally, feel like the caregivers can become obsessive about watching monitors and it can increase the anxiety that new parents already feel. 
• Supervised tummy time from the first week of birth will help your baby to gain control of muscles needed to prevent sleep related deaths. Babies should spend 15 - 30 minutes a day on their tummies by 7 weeks of age.
• Weighted swaddles, clothing or objects on or near the baby are not safe.
• Ditch the swaddle when it's no longer appropriate. (Usually between 3-4 months. I'm just going to add, once your baby has the control to roll on their own, it's ok to tummy sleep)

• Babies should always sleep on their back a firm, flat surface - All sleep surfaces should meet existing federal safety standards. Do not use products for sleep that aren't specifically marketed for sleep.
• Sitting devices - such as car seats, strollers, swings, carriers, slings, etc. should not be used for routine sleep especially for babies under 4 months of age. (I would take this recommendation even more seriously in hot climates in summer months.)
• Human milk reduces the risk of sleep related deaths. At least 2 months of partial human milk feeding significantly reduces the rate of infant sleep-related deaths.
• 6 months of room sharing is recommended - but not bed sharing.
• Pacifiers use is associated with reduced risk
• Exposure to nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and illicit drugs should be avoided.
• Babies should receive routine vaccinations.
  
  
  Anyway, I am glad to see some new guidelines! If you need help understanding or transitioning away from any current habits, give us a call! We'll be happy to consult with you.
  
  ​Read the full AAP article HERE.

​Sweet DREAMS!