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The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended the following to help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep related infant deaths, such as suffocation.
As a result of these recommendations, the SIDS rate has dropped almost 50 percent. During this same time, however, plagiocephaly (head flattening) and torticollis (a one-sided tightness in neck muscles) have increased.
Some babies tend to keep their heads in a favorite position while on their backs. This can affect their development. It makes it hard for them to strengthen their neck muscles evenly, and hard to learn to use both sides of their body.
Sleeping
Place your baby on the back to sleep, alternating head position so not always lying on the same side of the head. Or alternate positions in the crib (feet toward one end, then the other end) so your baby needs to turn the head to look toward activity in the room.
If your baby always lies on one side of the head, try changing the direction of the crib or move things in the room that your baby likes to look at.
Some products claim to be designed to keep a baby in one position. These products have not been tested for safety and are not recommended.
Equipment
Limit the use of toys such as swings, infant seats, and exercise saucers. Always use a car seat for travel, but take your baby out of it as soon as the trip is over. When awake, babies need to be held, or on the floor exploring and developing motor skills as much as possible.
Tummy time
When baby is awake and you are watching her, your baby should spend plenty of time on the tummy. Tummy time strengthens the back, neck, and arm muscles, which are needed for holding the head upright, rolling, sitting, and crawling. Tummy time is also good for visual and mental stimulation because your baby is encouraged to look around to explore the surroundings.
The sooner you start tummy time, the sooner your baby will get used to it, benefit from it, and come to enjoy it. Babies who have not spent much time on their tummies may need extra encouragement and practice to get used to it. Here are some ideas to help your baby learn to enjoy tummy time. Remember, tummy time should always be supervised – never leave baby alone on her tummy or on these positioning products.
Be patient. Your baby may be challenged a bit at first, but it is important to keep trying. As your child gets stronger, tummy time will be more fun. The benefits are worth it.
Talk with grandparents, child-care providers, and babysitters. Make sure everyone who cares for your baby knows about safe sleep:
This sheet is not specific to your baby, but provides general information. For more information about sleep positions or SIDS, please talk to your health care team.
Reviewed 6/2017
This page is not specific to your child, but provides general information on the topic above. If you have any questions, please call your clinic. For more reading material about this and other health topics, please call or visit Children's Minnesota Family Resource Center library, or visit www.childrensmn.org/educationmaterials.
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