What is SIDS?
Facts About SIDS
SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It is the sudden and
unexplained death of a baby under 1 year of age. Because many SIDS
babies are found in their cribs, some people call SIDS “crib
death.” But, cribs do not cause SIDS.
Facts About SIDS
Doctors and nurses do not know what causes SIDS, but they do know:
SIDS is the leading cause of death in babies after 1 month
of age to 1 year of age.
Most SIDS deaths happen in babies under 6 months old.
Babies placed to sleep on their stomachs are much more likely to die of
SIDS than babies placed on their backs to sleep.
Babies are more likely to die of SIDS if they are placed to sleep on
top of soft bedding or if they are covered by soft bedding
African American babies are 2 times more likely to die of SIDS than
white babies.
American Indian babies are almost 3 times more likely to die of SIDS
than white babies.
Even though there is no way to know which babies might die of SIDS,
there are some things that you can do to make your baby safer.
What Can I Do to Help Lower the Risk of SIDS?
Always place your baby on his or her Back to Sleep, even for naps.
This is the safest sleep position for ahealthy baby to reduce the risk
of
SIDS.
Place your baby on a firm mattress, such as in a safety-approved crib.
Research has shown that placing a baby to sleep on soft mattresses,
sofas, sofa cushions, waterbeds, sheepskins, or other soft surfaces
greatly increases the risk of SIDS.
Remove soft, fluffy and loose bedding and stuffed toys from your
baby’s sleep area. Make sure you keep all pillows, quilts,
stuffed toys, and other soft items away from your baby’s
sleep area.
Make sure everyone who cares for your baby knows to place your baby on
his or her back to sleep and about the dangers of soft bedding.
Talk to childcare providers, grandparents, babysitters and all
caregivers about SIDS risk. Remember, every sleep time counts. So, for
the least risk, remind every caregiver to place your baby on his or
her back to sleep on firm bedding at both nighttime and naptime.
Make sure your baby’s face and head stay uncovered during
sleep. Keep blankets and other coverings away from your
baby’s mouth and
nose. The best way to do this is to dress your baby in sleep clothing so
you will not have to use any other covering over the baby. If you do
use a blanket or another covering, make sure that the baby’s
feet are at the bottom of the crib, the blanket is no higher than the
baby’s chest, and the blanket is tucked in around the bottom
of the crib mattress.
Do not allow smoking around your baby. Don’t smoke before or
after the birth of your baby and make sure no one smokes around your
baby.
Don’t let your baby get too warm during sleep. Keep your baby
warm during sleep, but not too warm. Your baby’s room should
be at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult. Too many layers
of clothing or blankets can overheat your baby.
Babies Sleep Safest on Their Backs.
One of the easiest ways to lower the risk of SIDS is to put your baby
on his or her Back to Sleep, even for naps. Until a few several years
ago, doctors told mothers to place babies on their stomachs to sleep.
Research now shows that fewer babies die of SIDS when they sleep on
their backs.
If you use a blanket, place the baby with his or her feet at the foot
of the crib. The blanket should reach no higher than the
baby’s chest and the ends of the blanket should be tucked
under the crib mattress.
For more detailed information on SIDS and organizations which offer
clinical services,education,and support for families round the clock,
simply click on the link in the upper left hand column and get your
copy of our free ebook called "What is SIDS".
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What is SIDS Copyright
© 2004 Damon Bell.
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