Getting enough sleep over time can improve concentration, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, quality of life, and physical and mental health. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies four months to two years old should get 11 to 16 hours of sleep (including naps) to promote health.

However, if a parent or caregiver neglects the baby's sleep safety, healthy infants may stay awake, leading to irreversible tragedies. Unsafe sleeping conditions and habits can lead to injury or even death (eg sudden infant death syndrome).

sudden infant death syndrome

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the sudden and unexpected death of an apparently perfectly healthy baby of unknown cause. It usually occurs during sleep and is therefore also known as cradle death. It is most common in infants aged 2-4 months, and 90% of deaths occur before 6 months of age. Although the incidence in Asian countries is generally much lower than that in Western countries, the sleep safety of infants cannot be ignored.

Here are some ways to help your baby sleep more safely:

Sleeping on your back: To reduce the risk of SIDS, put babies to sleep on their backs (laying on their backs) until the first year of life, including premature babies. Avoid sleeping babies on their stomachs, which are unsafe and increase the risk of sudden death.

Firm Mattress: Use a firm baby mattress and fitted sheets to ensure that no dents are pressed due to the shape of the baby's head. Do not place toys, loose sheets, oversized quilts, or extra pillows and throw pillows in the crib. Most babies who die from sudden death syndrome suffocate in loose quilts.

Appropriate Sleeping Clothing: Dress your baby in light, comfortable sleeping clothes. Untie the strings or tapes of the clothing and avoid covering the baby's head. The room temperature should be kept at a temperature that is comfortable for adults, making sure that the baby is not exposed to very high or very low temperatures. An overheated environment increases the risk of sudden death.

Different beds in the same room: Babies should not sleep in adult beds as this increases the risk of suffocation and creates the possibility of an adult crushing the baby. In addition, portable bed rails should not be used on infants because of the risk of entrapment and suffocation. Put a crib or bassinet next to your bed and make sure the baby is within reach, just in case. If you need to feed your baby in bed, put the baby back in the crib before you are ready to go to bed.

Sleeping on the move: Seated devices, such as car seats, strollers, baby  rocker  chair, baby carriers, and baby slings, are not recommended for routine sleep, especially for young infants. Avoid sleeping on the couch or in an armchair with your baby, and don't leave your baby unattended while sleeping.

Safe sleeping environment: Make sure that the place where the baby sleeps is free of any safety hazards, such as dangling wires, electrical wires and curtain wires, as this may pose a strangulation risk.