Do You Know How to Ensure "Safe" is Synonymous with "Sleep"?
JPMA encourages parents and caregivers to educate themselves on creating the safest sleep environments for their babies.
I recently attended the Safe Sleep Summit sponsored by the City of Milwaukee Health Department. The rate of infant deaths associated with SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is 1.43 in Milwaukee compared to the national average of .55. Milwaukee recognizes this as a problem and is working hard to combat it. But this issue is not just a regional concern.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Fern Hauk referenced the following quote from a mother:
“Why didn’t anyone tell me? This was my first baby and no one told me anything about the risks of sleeping with my baby or using soft things around her. Why don’t we hear how babies are dying? I would give ANYTHING to have my daughter back. All parents need this information – make sure to tell them.”
JPMA is telling you! We have devoted Baby Safety Month to making every night a good, safe night. We encourage you to educate yourself on creating the safest sleep environment for your baby. You can find tips and information at www.cribsafety.org.
There was a baby on the plane ride home from Milwaukee after the Summit. Though many might have found her cries a nuisance, I welcomed them as the soothing sound of a child who is still with us, as many have cried their last cry as a victim of SIDS. Help us spread the message to friends, dads and other caregivers, and make every night a good, safe night!
Comments
safe sleep summit
Posted by Stellario D'Urso (not verified) on Thu, 9/2/2010 04:13pm.
It seems amazing to me that on the web page of the summit, reading the guidelines for safe sleep there is absolutely no mention of the importance of the mattress. The need for a good, breathable mattress is so often overlooked. Parents agonize over the choice for a crib yet give very little thought to the mattress.
The public needs to be educated to this issue.
Stellario D'urso
Reply to Consumer Product Safety Commission Certified Bedding
Posted by Margot, JPMA PR Coordinator (not verified) on Thu, 9/9/2010 10:19am.
John, we appreciate your sharing! See more of our safe sleep tips in the videos we've posted, including tips of what type of crib bumpers to use (and how long until baby doesn't need them anymore!) to www.cribsafety.org: http://cribsafety.jpma.org/content/safety-videos
Reply to safe sleep summit
Posted by Margot, JPMA PR Coordinator (not verified) on Thu, 9/9/2010 10:20am.
Thanks for mentioning the importance of crib mattresses, Stellario! We have some mattress-specific tips in the "Safety House" section of our site: http://www.jpma.org/content/parents/safety-house#bedroom
Add comment
About the Author
Lauren Pfeiffer
More about Lauren Pfeiffer:
JPMA Assistant Executive Director, New mom of one
Consumer Product Safety Commission Certified Bedding
We love Trend Lab's Designs not only because they are so attractive, but because all of their products have been tested at and been approved by Consumer Product
Safety Commission approved testing facilities. All products comply with the new standards set forth by the CPSIA. This means you can put your new born or toddler to sleep knowing they are in safe bedding with safe bumpers!