Updated Safety Standards from the AAP
One thing that we can always count on in life is change. Change in our personal lives, change in the world, and change in science are just some of the changes that happen regularly. Infant safety is one of the most studied fields in the scientific world, so it makes sense that there are frequent updates to the public, notifying us of new findings to help ensure our little ones are as safe as possible. This week we are talking about updated safety standards from the AAP.
What is the AAP
The AAP stands for the American Academy of Pediatrics. The AAP consists of over 67,000 pediatricians in the United States and other countries worldwide. The mission of the AAP is to attain optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
Updated safe sleep guidelines from the AAP
The AAP updated its safe sleep guidelines in June of 2022. Here is a complete list of the updated guidelines and what they mean.
- Flat surface – Babies should always sleep on a flat surface that meets existing federal safety standards for cribs, bassinets, play yards, and bedside sleepers.
2. Refrain from letting your infant sleep in other areas– Such as car seats, infant carriers, swings, and infant slings.
3. Breastfeeding – It is thought that human milk reduces the risk of infant-related deaths, and it is advised that when possible, babies are fed at least partial human milk for a minimum of two months.
4. Room sharing- The standard for this has changed, and room sharing is now advised for the first six months of a baby’s life.
5. Vaccinations – It is recommended that your baby is up to date on all vaccinations and immunizations.
6. Avoid substances– It is recommended that parents refrain from the use of substances that impair the ability of alertness while caring for an infant.
7. Pacifiers– Pacifier use has been directly linked to lessening the risk of SIDS.
8. Tummy time– Supervised and awake tummy time is recommended to help your baby’s developmental skills.
9. Avoid weighted swaddles and blankets- There is no evidence that proves that swaddling reduces the risk of SIDS. However, swaddling can be a beneficial tool for parents with a newborn to help soothe the startle reflux, also called the Moro reflux. If you do choose to swaddle, keep in mind that it is only safe until your baby shows its first signs of rolling, which is typically at 3-4 months of age.
10. Avoid these products- Avoid any infant products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS, as there isn’t a product on the market to do so.
For more information–
For more information on the updated safety sleep guidelines for infants, click here to visit the AAP website.
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