Parkview to host safe sleep education event

September 15, 2010 Updated Apr 23, 2012 at 11:46 AM EDT

Parkview Health’s Integrative Community Nursing Program and partner Indiana First Candle will be hosting a Safe Sleep Education event from 2-6 p.m. Friday, May 4 at the Renaissance Pointe YMCA, 2323 Bowser Ave.

Education classes will be conducted every 30 minutes and are open to anyone in the community who would like to learn more about safe sleep.

Families who are expecting or have a child less than one year of age and do not have a safe place for their child to sleep will qualify to receive a safe, portable crib at the completion of the education class.

In addition, there will be information about health insurance, nutrition, and tips for living tobacco free. Parkview birth planners will also be available as resources.

Tips to promote safe sleep for infants:
*The best way for a baby to sleep is on their back in a crib free of fabrics and objects that can block a baby’s mouth and nose

*A baby should sleep alone on a firm mattress in a safety approved crib

*Sleep sacks keep a baby warm and comfortable and eliminate the presence of loose fabric around a child’s face

*Smoke-free environment

*Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime

*Avoid covering an infant’s head or overheating

*Bumper pads should not be used

*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.