SERIOUS TOPIC- SIDS: PLEASE READ

SIDS

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: The dreadful topic new moms HATE to think about, but it must be discussed and understood in order to reduce your child’s risk of falling victim. SIDS is the sudden death of infants under the age of one also known as “crib death”. Although there is still uncertainty as to why some infants’ lives are taken due to SIDS, there are some precautions parents can take to reduce the risk.

ü  Place sleeping babies on their backs. Some medical professionals believe SIDS can be caused by an infant’s inability to wake up and or the baby’s body to detect a build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood. [i] Placing an underdeveloped infant on their stomachs to sleep can increase their chances of suffocation.

ü  Avoid Co-Sleeping. Co-Sleeping involves sleeping with the parent(s). We have probably all done it; fallen asleep while nursing or feeding or ended up rocking ourselves to sleep while rocking baby to sleep. It happens, but we must be more aware of this. Studies have shown that Co-Sleeping with your baby can also increase the risk of SIDS. Co-sleeping is dangerous because of the possibility of accidental suffocation. ALWAYS place your baby in his or her bassinet or crib when sleeping. If you aren’t comfortable with the baby being in their room by themselves, put the bassinet or crib in the room with you until you are more comfortable.

ü  Remove soft bedding and loose articles from your baby’s crib/bassinet. Although these items may be cute and cuddly, they are also potentially hazardous to a sleeping infant. Babies should sleep on a firm mattress with no pillows or comforters. If you are worried about your baby being cold dress them warmly in sleepers and swaddle them in breathable blankets; tight enough they are unable to remove the blanket, but loose enough they can sleep and breathe comfortably.

ü  Swaddle your baby. Infants who are swaddled are less likely to roll over on their stomachs while sleeping. Also, swaddled babies are less likely than unswaddled babies to suffer obstructed breathing from loose blankets or other bedding. [ii]

**Check out how to swaddle: Baby Center: Swaddle Video

ü  Make sure the room is not too hot. Babies overheat faster than adults and their body temperature should be monitored especially while they are still young. Dress your baby comfortably and check to make sure they are not hot to the touch. A good rule of thumb is to keep the temperature in the house around 74°.

ü  Do not smoke around your baby or allow others to smoke around your baby. Cigarette smoke has been shown to possibly increase the risk of SIDS.

ü  Breastfed babies are less likely to die of SIDS. Keep it up ladies, breastfeeding, though sometimes difficult, has amazing benefits to you and baby.

ü  Give baby a pacifier. Some parents are against pacifiers for numerous reasons, but some studies suggest that pacifiers can help open your child’s airway and prevent them from falling into a deep sleep.

Please note that although these factors are not 100% preventative methods against SIDS, they are some helpful tips to remember and consider. SIDS is a very serious issue; moms (and dads) do the research and take precautions. Educate yourself and all others who will care for your child.

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[i] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002533/

[ii] http://www.bastyrcenter.org/content/view/852/