Safe Sleep for New Hampshire Infants

The national "Safe to Sleep" campaign (formerly known as the "Back to Sleep" campaign), includes information on reducing the risks of all sleep-related, sudden unexpected infant deaths, not just SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

The Injury Prevention Center is a member of the New Hampshire Safe Sleep campaign, which is working to get the information out to New Hampshire's new and expectant parents, health and social service providers, and all who care for infants.

Since the original "Back to Sleep" campaign started in 1994, the percentage of infants placed to sleep on their backs increased dramatically, and the overall SIDS rates declined by more than 50 percent.

Research has shown that parents and caregivers can take action to reduce the risk of other sleep­ related causes of infant death. Accidental asphyxiation and suffocation can happen when baby's mouth/nose is covered and breathing is blocked by soft or loose bedding or stuffed animals, or even by another child or adult sharing the same sleep surface. This can happen in a bed, on a couch or even on a recliner chair.

The campaign is based on the latest recommendations of the latest American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. To learn about these recommendations, visit the Pediatrics website.

For more information, including handouts and continuing education programs on reducing the risks of SIDS and other sleep-related sudden unexpected infant deaths, visit the national "Safe to Sleep" campaign website.