AAP alters sleeping recommendation

To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), pediatricians are warning parents against letting infants sleep on their sides or backs and cautioning parents not to share a bed with their infant.

In an updated policy statement, the AAP said it no longer recognizes side sleeping as a reasonable alternative to sleeping while fully supine (lying on back).

As the Director of Kids Path for Hospice & Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Caswell, Patti Gasparello has been working to keep local day care centers aware of the changing AAP recommendations.

“Despite major decreases in the incidence of SIDS over the past decade, the syndrome is still responsible for more infant deaths beyond the newborn period in the United States than any other cause of death during infancy,” said Gasparello.

Studies have found that the side sleep position is unstable and increases the chances of the infant rolling onto his or her stomach, according to the AAP.

“Every caregiver should use the back sleep position during every sleep period,” Gasparello said.