Study: Nine out of 10 babies placed in cribs with unsafe items

Parents are just not getting the message. That's the warning today from doctors who are working to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. (SIDS)

They just published a new study in the journal "Pediatrics"

For the research, parents agreed to be recorded on video camera in everyday, real-life. The lead author says what they found is disturbing:

• Nine out of 10 babies were placed in cribs with unsafe items that could increase the risk of SIDS. Things like: bumper pads, pillows, loose bedding, and stuffed animals.
• Two our of 10 babies were placed on unsafe sleep surfaces.
• Up to a third of babies were placed on their tummies or sides, instead of their backs.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates every year, 3,500 babies die suddenly without explanation.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against using bumper pads and things that position your baby to sleep, because they could increase the risk of suffocation and there's no evidence they protect babies.

The study concludes campaigns to raise awareness about safe sleep for babies are not working well enough.

For more information about preventing SIDS, click here.

For more about the study, click here.