In the last three years in our county, 15 babies died because they were suffocated while sleeping with their parents or in another unsafe location like a sofa or an adult bed.  You want your baby to grow up healthy, strong and happy.  Don't let your child become another statistic.  As a parent, it's up to you to make sure your infant is sleeping safely.

An infant can't always let you know if his breathing passages become blocked during the night.  And an infant doesn't have the strength or the ability to move if something is covering his mouth or nose.  That's why safe sleeping practices are critical to your child's survival.

* Always place your baby on his back.  Babies who sleep face-down have an increased risk of death by suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome, (SIDS).  Until your child is old enough to roll around on his own, always place him on his back to sleep.

* Don't sleep with your baby.  While you may think it's easier or more motherly, sleeping with your baby increases the risk of suffocation.  Babies can be smothered by blankets, comforters and pillows.  They can get trapped between the bed and the wall or against the bed frame and be unable to breathe.   They can be injured or suffocated if an adult rolls over them or if they fall off the bed, and because they can't control their movements like older children, they might not be able to let anyone know they're having difficulty.

Room sharing is a great way to be close to your baby at night.  The right way to do it is by placing the baby's crib next to your bed.  The baby will know you are close, and you can both sleep safely and comfortably.

Never, ever let a baby be in the same bed with someone who is a smoker, is excessively tired or ill, has used alcohol, drugs or medicine that causes drowsiness, or is excessively overweight.  All of these factors increase the risk of suffocation.

* Make sure your infant's bed is safe.  Place your baby on a firm mattress, such as in a safety approved crib.  Remove all fluffy and loose bedding from around the baby in his bed.  Remove stuffed toys, pillows and quilts, which can cause suffocation.  Make sure your baby's head and face stay uncovered while in bed.

* Keep your baby warm, but do it safely.  Put your baby in sleep clothing and put no other covering over him.  If you really feel like your baby will get cold, place a blanket no higher than his chest and tuck the blanket in around the mattress so it can't crawl up around his face.  The temperature in your baby's room should be the same temperature that is comfortable for adults.  Too many blankets and heavy clothing can cause your baby to overheat.

* Cigarette smoke harms your baby.  secondhand smoke has been linked to SIDS, asthma, ear infections and other health problems for children.  It's best to keep all children away from second hand smoke, but it's especially important for babies.  Make smoke-free zones around your baby.  Protect him from secondhand smoke by not allowing anyone to smoke around him.  Don't allow smoking inside the house.

Reprint from Pensacola News Journal, Pensacola, FL 3/21/04