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Emergency Login Emergency Management Weather Updates Traffic Reports Crisis Resources Post Messages Emergency Site Map Participate In Alerts Mayors Messages Family Assistance Center Historic Flood Use		Sleep Safety for Baby Roanoke Fire-EMS, The SW Virginia Alliance for Safe Babies, and Safe Kids want to remind you to "Make Every Night a Safe Night" when it comes to safe sleep for baby! Over 2,500 babies' ages 1 month to 1 year die of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) each year. The SIDS rate has dropped by more than ½ since the Back to Sleep Campaign. Here are some safe sleep tips to keep your baby safe: Normal, healthy infants should always be placed on their back to sleep! (unless otherwise directed by your doctor)  Never “co-sleep” with your baby – you could accidentally suffocate them!  Do not put blankets, toys or pillows in the crib with your child – instead use a sleep sack or thin blanket specifically designed for infants or consider swaddling  The mattress and mattress pad/sheet should fit snugly and be firm and smooth   Don't use pillow-like bumper pads – they are a suffocation hazard  ALWAYS keep the drop side of the crib up when the baby is in the crib  NEVER place the crib near windows (fall hazard), draperies, blinds or wall mounted decorative accessories with long cords (strangulation hazard)  Make sure your crib is not on the recall list  Make sure the crib is in good condition (no broken or loose screws, brackets or slats)  Crib slats or spindles should be spaced no more than 2 3/8” apart and none should be loose or missing  No cutout areas on the headboard or footboard so baby's head cannot get trapped  No cracked or peeling paint, splinters or rough edges  Mobiles should be removed when the baby can pull himself up  Do not overdress your baby  Supervise your child in play yards/ pack & plays  Bed rails are not designed for infant use so don't use them in place of a crib  If using bed rails for older children, follow the manufacturers instructions  Don't use a bed rail on a bunk bed, water mattes or bed without a box spring  If using a toddler bed, choose a bed that is low to the ground  Place toddler beds safely in a room away from windows, heaters, wall lamps, drapes and blind cords IF USING HAND ME DOWNS:*Not recommended, but if you must use older bed items, make sure to follow these tips:  Check Recalls  Inspect the product for missing hardware or broken pieces  Don't purchase cribs at garage sales, thrift shops or other places where you don't know their history There is a great baby safety tip calendar at this link: http://www.familyresource.com/pregnancy/safety/baby-safety-month-a-calendar-of-tips Make sure to "Like" the SW Virginia Alliance for Safe Babies on Facebook!
	City of Roanoke Virginia Office of Emergency Management 713 3rd Street SW, Roanoke, VA, 24016, 540-853-2426

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