Recent research has shown that Gen Z mothers are unaware of the basics of safe sleep practices for their babies. A survey conducted among over 800 mothers highlights a concerning trend: younger parents are less informed about the measures that significantly reduce the risk of sudden and unexpected infant death syndrome (SUID). This important field is necessary, as it goes directly to ensuring the safety and well-being of infants while they sleep.
By sharing the national survey results, our goal was to highlight that most Millennial parents are aware of safe sleep best practices. The lack of awareness from Gen Z parents is worrisome. Just 71% of the youngest Gen Z parents—those 28 and younger—understand that babies should be put to sleep on their backs. This simple yet critical step greatly lowers the chance of Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID). By comparison, a whopping 82% of Millennial parents acknowledge this important safety standard.
The Importance of Safe Sleep Practices
The Safe to Sleep public health campaign has been key in informing families about safe sleep ways. This initiative has had tremendous success with raising awareness around preventing sleep-related infant deaths. Yet these deaths continue to be the single most common cause of death for infants in the United States. The campaign showcases a few of those practices in action. It recommends that parents put babies to sleep on their backs, steer clear of soft bedding, and use cribs with firm-fitting mattresses.
Dr. Gina Posner, a pediatrician, emphasizes the effect that these practices have.
“Safe sleep has reduced the number of infant sleep deaths,” – Gina Posner, M.D.
Despite the efforts of campaigns like Safe to Sleep, the survey results indicate that significant gaps in knowledge still exist among younger parents. This data underscores the critical need for more robust, equitable education on these practices and how to implement them. This is increasingly crucial for Gen Z moms — who may be more poorly resourced than generations before them.
Hazards in the Crib
Along with knowing how to put baby to sleep safely, it’s more important than ever for parents to identify possible dangers in the crib. However, loose-fitting pajamas can be quite dangerous, even leading to death by suffocation or entrapment while sleeping. Dr. Micah Resnick, a pediatric specialty with HealthPartners, tells parents to pay attention to what they’re dressing their babies in.
“Loose-fitting pajamas can be a safety hazard in the crib,” – Micah Resnick, M.D.
It is still up to parents to make sure all apparel fits tight enough and meets safety guidelines. Ensure no more than two of your own fingers fit between the mattress and crib sides. This removes any openings that your baby might be able to fall into and become stuck. Each brand will “size up” baby clothes and sleep sacks a little differently. Parents will need to reference the manufacturer’s size chart using their baby’s weight and length to determine appropriate fit.
Swaddling and Crib Safety
Swaddling is another issue in infant sleep safety that deserves thoughtful discussion. Infants of all ages feel soothed and calmed by this practice. With an older infant who’s already rolling both directions, it can be unnecessary. Experts warn that swaddling should be used only with awareness of the infant’s stage of development.
In addition to highlighting SIDS prevention tips, Dr. Resnick warns about the dangers of using hand-me down cribs.
“It’s wise to be cautious when using a hand-me-down crib to ensure your baby’s safety,” – Dr. Resnick.
Parents are encouraged to closely examine any used cribs. They must make sure that these cribs are safe according to today’s standards and do not contain defects such as broken parts or hazardous design features.
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