In their first update since 2016, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued revised safe sleep guidelines for infants, strongly advising against co-sleeping, the use of weighted blankets, and any form of crib decorations. This change comes in light of ongoing concerns about sleep-related infant fatalities, which claim the lives of approximately 3,500 babies in the U.S. each year due to causes like Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation.
While there is no magic solution to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep for both parents and infants, the AAP aims to provide clear guidance. The organization reiterates that babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep, a recommendation that has been in place for decades. A key update is that sleep surfaces must be flat, rather than inclined, and strollers or car seats should not be used for regular sleep.
The AAP emphasizes that sharing a sleep surface with an adult significantly increases the risk of injury or death to infants. In fact, the likelihood of fatal incidents is 67 times higher on couches or soft chairs. Factors such as smoking, medication use, or extreme fatigue also amplify these risks. Babies who are preterm, underweight, or younger than four months are particularly vulnerable.
Dr. Emily Carson, a co-author of the guidelines, notes that while many parents choose bed-sharing for various reasons, including cultural practices or breastfeeding convenience, the evidence overwhelmingly shows it poses serious dangers. Furthermore, the AAP warns against relying on home cardiorespiratory monitors, which do not reduce the risk of SIDS and may create a false sense of security.
Encouragingly, the AAP supports practices like breastfeeding, room-sharing (but not bed-sharing), vaccinations, and tummy time. The use of pacifiers is also linked to a reduced risk of SIDS. Dr. Linda Paterson, lead author of the report, acknowledges the difficulties parents face with infant sleep patterns, stating that waking frequently is normal and necessary for their growth and health.
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In summary, the AAP’s revised safe sleep guidelines stress the importance of creating a safe sleep environment for infants, with a strong warning against co-sleeping and the use of weighted blankets. The focus remains on reducing the risk of sleep-related deaths while acknowledging the challenges parents face during this demanding stage.