Keeping Babies Safe 15 Tips to Reduce the Risk of SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the number one cause of infant mortality for babies from one month to one year of age. The definition of SIDS is the sudden, unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant, under one year of age. The death remains unexplained after a complete medical history review, autopsy and death scene investigation, which are required by law.
While the exact cause of SIDS is unknown, researchers have been able to identify factors that are associated with infants and infant care practices that increase the risk for SIDS. As a result, risk reduction recommendations have been established. Parents and other caregivers should remember that if practiced, these risk reduction techniques will dramatically reduce the risk of SIDS.
1 Place your baby on his/her back to sleep for night time and nap time sleep throughout the first year of life. Stomach and side sleeping positions are dangerous and should be avoided. Between 1992 and 2000, SIDS rates decreased by over 50% as more babies were placed on their backs to sleep!
2 Do not smoke while you are pregnant and do not let anyone smoke around your baby or in your home.
3 The baby’s crib should have a firm mattress, covered by a thin fitted sheet.
4 The baby should be wearing what he/she needs for warmth rather than covering the baby with blankets or quilts.
5 Pillows, stuffed animals, bumper pads and similar items should not be in the baby’s sleep area.
6 Do not use wedges or other positioning devices – they are not proven to reduce risk and have been a possible causative factor in SIDS type deaths.
7 Do not let the baby sleep on soft things like cushions, pillows, comforters, the couch, armchairs, an adult bed or waterbed.
8 Do not let your baby get too hot. Do not over bundle your baby in blankets or clothes. If your baby is sweating, flushed, has damp hair, or a heat rash the baby may be too hot – remove a layer(s) of clothing and/or keep the room cooler. A baby that has a fever, is breathing fast, or seems to not be able to rest, may also be too hot.
9 Take good care of yourself when you are going to have a baby. See your doctor regularly when you are pregnant.
10 Take good care of your baby. Keep your well baby appointments. Take your baby to the doctor when he/she seems sick.
11 Breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding has been shown to prevent ear infections, allergies and other infant health problems.
12 Consider using a pacifier for sleep times as they have proven to be a possible protective factor. If your baby is breastfeeding, wait one month until breastfeeding is established before introducing the pacifier.
13 Remember that a crib is the safest place for babies to sleep. Sleeping with adults and other children and in places other than a safe crib increases the risk for SIDS and accidental suffocation.
14 Recent research has suggested the use of a fan (ceiling fan or otherwise) in the infant’s room as a possible risk reduction measure. Do not ‘aim’ the fan directly at the infant.
15 There is growing evidence that room sharing is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a separate but proximate (close) sleeping environment.
For more information on SIDS, visit SidsResources.org.
Cheryl Herzog Arneill, MSW is a Community Educator for SIDS Resources, Inc., a not-for-profit agency that offers SIDS educational classes & bereavement services. For information or to schedule a class, call 816.569.6956.