Each year, approximately 2,300 infants die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). To help families practice safe sleep habits, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent, St.Vincent Women’s Services and The Children’s Museum have joined forces to exchange crib bumper pads for a free sleep sack.
Now through April 30, infant caregivers may bring crib bumper pads to the concierge desk at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis to trade for a free sleep sack, courtesy of St.Vincent. The bumper pads will be given to a local organization to recycle.
While researchers are not sure what causes SIDS, there are known risk factors including soft bedding, pillows or blankets as well as bumper pads; bed-sharing; overheating during sleep; having a parent or caregiver who smokes; and babies sleeping face down.
Review the following precautions with anyone who may be taking care of your child, including family members, babysitters, nannies or childcare workers:
- Do use a sleep sack.
- Do not leave anything in your child’s crib. Remember, “nothing but baby.”
- Do invest in a firm and tight-fitting crib mattress with a fitted sheet.
- Do not let your child sleep in your bed.
- Do make sure your child sleeps on his or her back, not the stomach or side.
- Do not smoke cigarettes during or after pregnancy, and have anyone who smokes change their clothing before having contact with the baby.
