resources + definitions

This page is ever-growing and ever-under construction. I welcome your suggestions of what to include here. Let me know.

Evidence-Based Organizations

AAP

American Academy of Pediatrics

CPSC

Consumer Product Safety Commission

CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

NCSBS

National Center of Shaken Baby Syndrome

NHTSA

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

NICHD

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (Part of the NIH)

NIH

National Institutes of Health

NIMH

National Institute of Mental Health (Part of the NIH)

Definitions + Acronyms

ABCs

This refers to the safe sleep best practice of placing baby to sleep Alone, on his Back, and in a regulated Crib (or bassinet or play yard).

BFHI

Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative: A program launched by WHO + UNICEF to promote breastfeeding after birth. Many doctors and scientists criticize the program’s safety, effectiveness, and treatment of new mothers.

PURPLE Crying

“PURPLE” is an acronym (Peak of crying, Unexpected, Resists soothing, Pain-like face, Long lasting, Evening) that characterizes the developmentally normal period of time in which babies cry a lot.

SUID

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death is a term used to describe any sudden and unexpected death of a baby, whether explained or unexplained. SIDS is a subcategory of SUID. (Source)
Scroll down for a list of safe sleep resources.

SIDS

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: The unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old.

Swaddling

In short: wrapping your baby like a burrito. Read the actual definitions here:

Postpartum Depression

Depression that occurs after giving birth, often due to hormonal changes, adjusting to motherhood, and/or lack of sleep.

Woo

Having no scientific basis. Often anecdotal without evidence.

  • “I did this with my other kids and they’re fine.”
  • “It’s natural, so it must be safe.”

Safe Sleep: Further Reading

SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2016 Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment (AAP)

Suitable Sleeping Sites (AAP, HealthyChildren)

Arousal Responses and Risk Factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (NIH)

Potential to Prevent Carbon Dioxide Rebreathing of Commercial Products Marketed to Reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Risk (AAP)

Deaths and Injuries Attributed to Infant Crib Bumper Pads (Washington University, Journal of Pediatrics)

While They Were Sleeping (Consumer Reports)

Make Baby’s Room Safe: Parent Checklist (AAP)

Do Not Use Infant Sleep Positioners Due to the Risk of Suffocation (FDA)

Ways to Reduce The Risk Of SIDS And Other Sleep-Related Causes Of Infant Death (NIH)

Get Bumpers Out Of Cribs, Doctor Group Urges (CNN)

PDF: Infant Sleep Position and SIDS (NICHD)

Safe Sleep – Cribs and Infant Products Information Center (CPSC)

SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Evidence Base for 2016 Updated Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment (AAP)

Sleep-Related Infant Suffocation Deaths Attributable to Soft Bedding, Overlay, and Wedging (AAP)

Updated Safe Sleep Guidance Warns Against Using Soft Bedding, Sofa Sleeping (AAP)

More Infant Sleep Products Linked to Deaths, a Consumer Reports Investigation Finds (Consumer Reports)

Study Concludes Design Of Rock ’n Play, Other Infant Sleepers Led to Deaths (Washington Post)

Deaths Prompt CPSC, FDA Warning on Infant Sleep Positioners (CPSC)

Guide to Recalled Infant Inclined Sleepers, Nappers, and Loungers (Consumer Reports)

PDF: What Does A Safe Sleep Environment Look Like? (NICHD)

PDF: Hazards Associated with Sitting and Carrying Devices for Children Two Years and Younger (Journal of Pediatrics)

Infant Deaths in Sitting Devices (AAP)