DCHD Mirrors Revised American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleep Plan

            An expansion of safe sleep recommendations released by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) mirrors a local initiative coordinated through Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) known as Baby Blossoms Collaborative (BBC). 

            Representing more than 35 agencies across Douglas County, BBC promotes three specific approaches to reduce infant mortality: preconception education to improve maternal health, prenatal care to reduce premature birth, and safe sleep environments to prevent Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID) and reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). 

            Additional AAP recommendations and Baby Blossoms safe sleep message emphasize:

·      “Nothin’ but Baby” in a crib to prevent SUID and reduce the risk of SIDS.   Bumper pads should not be used in cribs. There is no evidence that bumper pads prevent injuries, and there is a potential risk of suffocation, strangulation or entrapment.

·         Breastfeeding is recommended for the health benefits or mom and baby and is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.

·         Infants should be immunized. Evidence suggests that immunization reduces the risk of SIDS by 50 percent.

            In the November issue of Pediatrics, the AAP will announce expanded safe sleep guidelines and offer more suggestions for parents in creating a safe sleep environment for babies. AAP recommendations and Baby Blossoms overall mission helps create “an environment where all babies have an opportunity to blossom”.

            “This affirms the work of the local Baby Blossoms Collaborative and the ‘Nothin’ But Baby’ safe sleep guidelines,” said Douglas County Health Director Dr. Adi Pour. “We are partnering together to ensure every baby has an opportunity to be born healthy in our community.”