Grandparents can play an important role in keeping their grandbaby safe during sleep!
If you're a grandparent, here are some things you can do to help your grandbaby sleep safely:
Always make sure your grandbaby is sleeping alone. Never add soft objects, toys, crib bumpers, or loose bedding under grandbaby, over grandbaby, or anywhere in grandbaby’s sleep area.
Be sure to place your grandbaby to sleep flat on their back on a firm, non-inclined surface. The back sleep position is the safest position for all babies. Never place your grandbaby on their side or tummy.
When your grandbaby is in your care, use a safe sleep environment such as a crib, pack n play, or bassinet. Surfaces such as couches, recliners, or adults beds are not safe for babies to sleep on.
Remember that these recommendations should be followed every time your grandbaby is sleeping, for naps and at night.
Want to know more? Check out this safe sleep presentation made especially for grandparents!
Video- Safe Sleep: What Grandparents Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions for Grandparents
When my children were babies, I was told to have them sleep on their stomach. Why is it different now?
Thanks to science and research we know more now than we used to about safe sleep. Research has shown that stomach sleeping increases the risk of SIDS. Since the "back to sleep" recommendation began in in the early 90's, the SIDS rates have reduced significantly and the back sleeping recommendation remains.
Could my grandbaby choke if they sleep on their back?
This is a common concern but research has proven that a baby is actually less likely to choke while lying on their back. When in the back position, babies have anatomical protective mechanics as well as gravity to help protect their airway.
Can I place my grandbaby on their side to sleep?
Side sleeping poses the risk of baby rolling onto their stomach. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that every baby is placed flat on their back on a firm, non-inclined surface for every sleep.
How can I keep my grandbaby warm without a blanket?
Blankets, hats, and other loose objects could cover baby's face during sleep creating an opportunity for baby to re-breathe exhaled gases as opposed to having access to oxygen risk air. This is a hazard to infants, especially those vulnerable to SIDS as they are unable to respond appropriately. As an alternative, a wearable blanket (sometimes called a sleep sack) or dressing baby in layers is a safe way to keep baby warm.
Where should my grandbaby sleep if I don't have a crib or pack n play?
A clean thin blanket placed on the floor in a safe area of your home is always a better option than placing baby to sleep on a couch, adult bed or recliner. These surfaces increase the risk of SIDS and other accidental sleep related deaths.
Can I hold my grandbaby when they are sleeping?
Yes. You can hold your sleeping grandbaby but ensure that while you are holding baby they have a safe body position where they can breathe properly and you are completely awake without any risk of falling asleep. If you feel drowsy or tried be sure to put your grandbaby down in a safe environment. Never sleep with your grandbaby.
More questions? Contact us at info@iowasids.org
