Eva Alessia, D.O.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS, is the leading cause of death in infants one to 12 months of age and most common in the one to four months age group. It is not known exactly what causes SIDS, but it is not because of vaccinations or choking/vomiting. It is thought that babies who die from SIDS are not getting enough oxygen or are re-breathing carbon dioxide that collects around their noses because of bedding around their face.
There are some things that can increase your child’s risk of SIDS:
- Being too hot. The baby should be dressed comfortably, but should not get overheated.
- Having additional items in the crib, besides the baby. This includes blankets, comforters, pillows, stuffed animals, toys, even bumper pads! Sleep positioners or wedges are also not recommended.
What can you do to decrease the risk of SIDS for your child?
- Use a firm mattress in the crib.
- Give the baby a pacifier; pacifiers actually keep your child’s airway open.
- Place the baby on his/her back for sleep. Since the Back to Sleep recommendation started in 1992, there has been a 50% reduction in SIDS deaths. That’s amazing! Supervised tummy time when mom or dad is awake is fine; stomach sleeping when everyone else is sleeping is not a good idea. Even side sleeping is not recommended. Sometimes, those babies get enough momentum and can flip onto their stomachs.
Back is best — keep those little ones safe! Learn more at http://www.cdc.gov/sids/