ACS Reminds New Yorkers To Put Babies To Sleep Without Blankets Or Stuffed Toys For Their Safest Sleep

AS COLD WEATHER CONTINUES, NYC ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN’S SERVICES REMINDS NEW YORKERS THAT INFANTS SHOULD NEVER SLEEP WITH BLANKETS OR SHARE AN ADULT BED

To Keep Warm During Cold Temperatures, Caregivers Should Put Babies to Sleep in Sleep Sacks, Infant Pajamas, or an Extra Layer of Infant Clothing

Editor’s note: We’ve previously covered National Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month which occurs in October each year. Caregivers are reminded of the ways in which they can keep babies safe by putting them to sleep properly and taking certain precautions with their environment. 

The following was provided in answer to our questions below:  

Q- In the Share the Room not the bed image, the baby’s legs are uncovered. Is that usually OK or would some babies be too cold like that? 

A- Infant sleep clothing should be selected according to the room temperature.

Q- What is the best temperature for the room an infant is sleeping in? 

A- The AAP recommends that parents and caregivers keep the room where baby sleeps between 68- and 72-degrees Fahrenheit. Generally, at this temperature range, parents and caregivers are content to use lightweight sleep clothing or sleep sacks and do not feel the need to pile on too many layers of clothing or coverings to keep baby warm.

Q- How can a caregiver tell if a baby is too hot or too cold? Should they feel their head or their hands, or would it be their feet if their legs are uncovered? 

A- A caregiver can tell if a baby is too cold by observing signs like pale or slightly blue skin on the face, lips or fingertips, cool skin to the touch, fussiness, crying, lethargy, decreased activity, shivering (in older babies), and frequent waking up during sleep. Signs of overheating include sweating, red, flushed face and skin, and rapid, deep breathing.

If you are concerned about your baby’s temperature, adjust the room temperature (aim for temperature between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit), ensure your baby is wearing enough layers of clothing suitable for the room temperature, and contact your pediatrician for advice if your baby shows signs of distress.

NEW YORK, NY – The NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) is reminding caregivers about the ways to keep babies safe while sleeping:

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• Even in cold weather, babies should always sleep alone – without loose bedding like a blanket, quilt, or comforter that can cover a baby’s face, causing them to suffocate—and in a crib, playpen, or bassinet.

• Caregivers should resist the urge to crank up the heating. Babies can’t regulate their body temperature in the same way adults can, so it’s easy for them to get too hot.

• Caregivers should not put a hat on their baby while indoors. A bare head is important for babies to maintain body temperature and release heat.

“ACS is working to make sure New Yorkers who care for infants are well-informed about the best ways to keep babies safe and warm while sleeping,” said ACS Commissioner Jess Dannhauser. “To keep infants warm, instead of using a blanket, dress babies in wearable blankets such as a sleep sack, infant pajamas, or an extra layer of infant clothing that covers baby’s arms and legs as it reduces the risk of suffocation.”

ACS also wishes to remind caregivers of the following important tips:

• Avoid bringing your baby into bed with you, even if you think it will keep them warmer. A baby must never share a sleep surface, including an adult bed, couch, or chair, with anyone. Babies may suffocate if another person unintentionally rolls on top of them or covers their nose and mouth.

• Keep soft objects, loose bedding, toys, or any other items that could increase the risk of suffocation out of the baby’s sleep area.

• If you’re worried about a baby getting cold, dress them in a wearable blanket, such as a sleep sack, or in another layer of infant clothing.

• Place babies on their backs to sleep. Babies breathe better on their backs than on their stomachs or sides.

• Put babies to sleep on a flat, firm sleep surface with a fitted sheet made for that specific product. Though it might seem more comfortable to put a pillow on top of the mattress, babies may suffocate on the soft surface.

Over the years, ACS has engaged in important campaigns to help raise awareness about infant safe sleep practices. ACS is working to reach families proactively with educational messages and resources that can support healthy children, families, and communities.

Pursuant to New York City’s Housing Maintenance Code, building owners are legally required to provide heat and hot water to their tenants. New Yorkers should contact 311 to file a complaint if indoor temperatures are not in compliance with the Housing Maintenance Code in cold weather.

See the below images for a visual representation of what these instructions look like in real life: 

Share the room, no toys or blankets. Image Credit – ACS

Share the room, no toys or blankets. Image Credit – ACS

For more information on infant safe sleep best practices or resources in your community, visit www.nyc.gov/safesleep or call 311 and ask for Safe Sleep.

Banner Image: Share the room, no toys or blankets. Image Credit – ACS