While SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) is an extremely rare occurrence, that by no means indicates we should ignore possible risks and prevention methods. SIDS is defined as the sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant. The risk of SIDS is only about one in 1,500 and getting smaller, but of course, we would like to reduce this even further! Here are some ways that parents can prevent SIDS for their little ones:
Sleep on Back
Infants should always be placed on their backs when it comes time for them to fall asleep. Whether it’s (hopefully) for the entire night, or just to take a nap during the day, babies should always be placed on their backs. It’s been shown that babies who were placed on their stomachs for sleep are at a higher risk of SIDS. While it’s not exactly known why, babies who are put to sleep on their stomachs are believed to get less oxygen or more carbon dioxide, from their own breath. This prevention method should be practiced for at least the first year of your child’s life.
Empty Crib
Keeping your child’s crib empty will cut down on any outside risks that could be the cause of SIDS. Use a firm mattress and tightly fitted sheets for baby’s crib and no comforters, fluffy blankets, or pillows. The AAP also strongly advises skipping the crib bumper pad (which can restrict your baby’s breathing when she presses her nose or mouth against it). All these extras in the crib can pose suffocation and overheating hazards to babies, which are certainly risk factors of SIDS.
Avoid Overheating
Protecting your baby from overheating is another prevention method against SIDS. Get rid of hats, extra clothes, and woolly blankets while baby is sleeping, and keep the room cool (68 to 72 degrees F). Also, traditional swaddling blankets pose the risk of wrapping babies too tightly and snuggly. Thick blankets or too many layers can cause overheating, and strong babies can break out of traditional swaddling blankets, which can unravel and cover baby’s face.
Cut Out Other Risks
Although this one is obvious, you should never let anyone smoke near your baby. Research shows that there’s a higher risk of SIDS in babies who are exposed to secondhand smoke, and whose mother had poor prenatal care or smoked during pregnancy. Also, a well-ventilated room could go a long way for your child. A recent study found that using a fan in an infant’s room that has poor ventilation could reduce the risk of SIDS.
It’s important to share these safe sleep guidelines with anyone who might look after your baby, as recommendations for safe sleep have changed over the years and we shouldn’t assume that everyone just knows what to do. Make sure that everyone is using safe sleep practices!
Writen by Lori Strong, Certified Sleep Consultant and Owner of Strong Little Sleepers
Lori is a Certified Child Sleep Consultant through and Certified Happiest Baby Educator. She is the founder and owner of Strong Little Sleepers, which was started on the idea that all families need and deserve to get a good night’s sleep. Lori was the first certified child sleep consultant in Austin, Texas and was honored as Best Sleep Expert in the 2013 Austin Birth Awards. She is also a member of the International Association of Child Sleep Consultants. Lori combines her experience as an educator and a parent to offer customized sleep plans and support to families with children ages 0-6 across the country.
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