How help your baby sleep safely

Early Sunday morning, a little visitor woke me up.  Standing next to my bed in her fluffy pink slippers and princess pj's was my 5-year-old step-daughter.  My husband and I have a strict rule: everybody sleeps in their own bed.  But boy, it's hard to resist snuggling with a beautiful little girl.   So off came the princess slippers and into the bed hopped our little girl.  It was a wonderful way to start the day.

Even though my step-daughter is a big girl. I thought about our little 'snuggle-fest' as I read a report out today in the Journal Pediatrics.  Researchers found the rate of accidental strangulation and suffocation deaths among babies went from 103 in 1984 to 513 in 2004.  In 2003 and 2004, 931 babies died from accidental suffocation and strangulation.  Beds, cribs and couches were reported as the most common places where babies died.  Co-sleeping or bed sharing was reported in over 53% of the cases.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says the safest option for co-sleeping is to use a crib or bassinet next to your bed. But if you choose to sleep with the baby in your bed, experts at the University of Michigan Health Systems say here are some things to keep in mind.

1. Lay baby on his back.  You can let your baby have awake "tummy time" during the day, when an adult is there to watch the baby. "Tummy time" is important for your baby's development and also will help prevent positional plagiocephaly or flattened head.  But remember, it’s “back to bed” for sleeping.

2.  Don't sleep on soft surfaces. Avoid soft surfaces - like waterbeds, pillows, comforters, soft mattresses, beanbags, or couches – when sleeping with your baby. Sleeping on a couch with a parent is associated with a higher risk of infant death

3. Watch the blankets.  Blankets should come to child's chest and be securely tucked on both sides under the mattress. Another option is to dress your baby in warm sleep clothing.  Just make sure she's not burning up.

4. Make sure your bed is baby-safe. There should not be a gap between the mattress and the wall, a side rail, a headboard or footboard, the bed-frame side, or any other furniture. Do not use side rails, headboards, or footboards with slats or cutouts that could entrap the baby's head. Mesh insert side rails are safest.

5. Watch what you are taking. Do not sleep with your baby if you have had drugs or alcohol, are extremely tired, or for any other reason may have reduced awareness of your baby.  Even some prescription and over-the-counter medication, such as pain-killers, antihistamines or sleep-aids can reduce your awareness of the baby.