New study finds many parents are putting infants at risk
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – From the American Academy of Pediatrics, a new study released found parents may be putting their infant children at risk of serious injury or even death by the way they lay them down to sleep.
Researchers recorded infants for one night at ages 1, 3 and 6 months in family homes.
After watching those videos, the study showed a vast majority of parents placed babies in unsafe sleep environments.
More than 30 percent of infants were placed on their sides or stomachs, up to 21 percent of babies were placed on a non-recommended sleep surface and 87-93 percent had potentially hazardous items on their sleep surface.
Here are some items you should avoid placing in bed with your sleeping infant:
- Loose blankets
- Stuffed animals
- Pillows
- Bumper pads
- Sleep positioners
According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, sleep-related infant deaths are the most common cause of death for babies between one month and one year of age.
Education about the issue started back in 1992 for the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Videos played a big factor in the study as opposed to self-reporting, but also, officials say these findings suggest the need to improve public education efforts about safe sleep practices.