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Sudden Infant Deaths (SIDS)
Fact: Babies do die in co-sleeping arrangements

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that: Bed sharing is not recommended during sleep.  Infants may be brought into bed for nursing or comforting, but should be returned to their own crib or bassinet when the parent is ready to return to sleep. 

There is growing evidence that room sharing (infant sleeping in a crib in parent’s bedroom) is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.  The AAP recommends a separate but proximate sleeping environment.

Fact:  Babies do die in co-sleeping arrangements.

In the past 26 months the Tulsa Police Department has responded to 16 unexplained sudden infant deaths.  In 14 of those 16 deaths the infant was sleeping with an adult.

Safe sleep for babies. Safety Tips include:

Put your baby on their back at night and during naps – Make sure all of your baby’s caregivers do the same.  Babies who sleep on their stomachs, face a dramatically higher risk of SIDS than babies who sleep on their backs.

Put your baby to sleep in their own crib.  Make sure that the crib conforms to the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Maker sure your baby’s sleep space is safe - Remove fluffy bedding, pillows and stuffed animals from your baby’s crib.  Make sure the crib mattress is firm and meets safety guidelines.  These will all help to reduce the risk of suffocation.

Don’t overheat your child – Wrapping your baby in too many blankets and keeping rooms too warm may increase their risk of SIDS.  Do not cover the baby’s face with a blanket.

Don’t allow smoking around your child – Babies in smoky households face double the risk of dying of SIDS.

When using a portable crib or play yard, be sure to use only the mattress or pad provided by the manufacturer.

If you are going to sleep with your infant.

Do not sleep with your baby if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or sleep-inducing over-the-counter medications or if you are overly exhausted from sleep deprivation.

Make sure that the sleeping area is firm and free of pillows, quilts, comforters, and loose bedding. 

Avoid beds that present entrapment possibilities.

Do not allow baby-sitters or older siblings to sleep with baby.

Don't fall asleep with your baby on a couch, chair, or waterbed.
Additional Information
Do not let a baby sleep unattended on an adult bed.