Baby pillows– soft, colorful and snuggly. And your sweet little angels can look so darned cute there with their faces snuggled into that fluffiness!
•But when you place your child in their crib to sleep, remove that baby pillow and other soft bedding that may cause obstruction to a child’s free breathing. No one wants those cuddly, soft little baby pillows to cause a tragedy.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development have established revised guidelines for the use of pillows, baby comforters and baby quilts which, if followed carefully, will save lives of children who might otherwise smother in their beds.
According to these safety standards any child under 12 months of age should have parents and caretakers follow the following safety guidelines:
•Remove quilts, comforters and any pillows from the baby’s bed before placing baby inside.
•Remove any stuffed toys large enough to cause a breathing obstruction for the crib or baby bed.
•Dress the baby using warm enough clothing that blankets or other covering which can bunch around the face will not be needed.
•If you feel you must use a blanket, place the baby with feet at the foot of the crib. Tuck the blanket in and allow it to only come as high as the child’s chest. Tuck all sides in securely so that it can not easily be pulled up around the face during sleep.
•Check frequently to ensure the child’s face is unobstructed by pillows or any other objects.
•Do not allow baby to fall asleep on a water bed, sofa, or other soft surface because they can place their little nose into the soft covering and smother.
•Babies who are placed on their backs for sleep have a marked decrease in instances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Always place your baby to sleep on his or her back and be certain nothing can bunch around the babies face. Save those beautiful baby pillows for decorative purposes.
The hand-embroidered keepsake pillow Aunt Suzie made for your baby has a place in the nursery, just not during sleep time!