Baby sleep guidelines: No crib bumpers

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BOSTON, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- The American Academy of Pediatrics is expanding its guidelines on safe sleep for babies, recommending against using bumper pads in cribs, a U.S. physician says.

Lead author Dr. Rachel Moon, chairwoman of the AAP SIDS task force said the policy statement and technical report provide global recommendations for education and safety related to SIDS risk reduction.

Important recommendations include:

-- Breastfeeding is recommended and is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.

-- Infants should be immunized. Evidence suggests that immunization reduces the risk of SIDS by 50 percent.

-- Bumper pads should not be used in cribs because of their potential risk of suffocation, strangulation or entrapment. Keep soft objects out of the crib including pillows, blankets and bumper pads.

-- Always place baby on his or her back.

-- Always use a firm sleep surface, not sitting devices.

-- The baby should sleep in the same room as the parents, but not in the same bed.

-- Keep soft objects out of the crib including pillows, blankets and bumper pads.

-- Wedges and positioners should not be used.

-- Pregnant women should receive regular prenatal care.

-- Don't smoke during pregnancy or after birth.

-- Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.

-- Avoid covering the infant's head or overheating.

-- Do not use home monitors or commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS.

The findings are published online ahead of the November print edition of the journal Pediatrics and presented at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition in Boston.