Reducing the Risk of SIDS
Every year some infants die while sleeping. SIDS, which stands for sudden infant death syndrome, describes the sudden, unexplained death of an infant younger than 1 year of age. There is no known cause for SIDS but there are guidelines available which can reduce the risks of SIDS.
These guidelines will help you meet the goal of making sure the sleeping baby’s breathing remains clear and unobstructed. You will also be assured that your baby does not get in a position that could cause injury or even death.
10 Steps to Promote Infant Sleep Safety & Reduce the Risk of SIDS
- Place babies to sleep on their backs for naps and at nighttime, not on their tummies or sides, throughout the first year of life. Remember "stomach to play, back to sleep" for baby's healthy development and to lower SIDS risks.
- Give the protection of a crib and make sure babies don't sleep on sofas or in beds with others. Let the infant sleep in a crib or bassinet near the parent’s bed. Do not let the baby sleep on soft things like cushions, pillows, comforters, the couch, armchairs, an adult bed or waterbed.
- Use a firm mattress that fitsand has no gap between it and the frame of the crib. Babies can be trapped between the bed and the wall or bed frame, or between the cushions on a sofa.
- Use a fitted sheet that is the right size for the mattress and tuck blankets in.
- Do not use bumper pads, sleep position wedges, or pillows in the crib― they are not proven to reduce risk and have been a possible causative factor in SIDS type deaths.
- Keep toys and fluffy blankets out of the crib while baby sleeps.
- Make sure the baby's room is in the safe temperature range of 68°F to 75°F; using a thermometer in the baby's room can help and away from the heat vent.
- Breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding plays a part in reducing SIDS and has very important health benefits. Do it safely and make sure you are in a position that will allow you to stay awake.
- Prevent overheating bylayering the baby's clothes and do not overdress or over bundle them with blankets and clothes― one light cover, tucked at the bottom and sides of the crib should be enough. Allow no covers near the baby’s head.
- Keep all cigarette smoke away from pregnant women and all babies. Babies should sleep in a smoke-free home.
It is very important that anyone taking care of your baby is also very familiar with these best practices. To reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep related deaths, follow these guidelines and provide safe sleep to your precious little one.