Know the risks, protect your baby
October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Month. While it’s a tragic topic, it’s also an opportunity to educate and inform parents, grandparents and caregivers about the known risk factors. As a manufacturer of baby mattresses and bedding, we take this cause very seriously.
Understanding SIDS
SIDS is marked by the sudden death of a seemingly healthy baby. Why it happens is not completely understood, but continued research, education and dialogue helps prevent future deaths.
In 1985, a research study showed a strong connection between babies sleeping on their stomachs and SIDS. In 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) launched the “Back to Sleep Campaign” and SIDS deaths in the US dropped from 4,895 in 1992 to 2,247 in 2004.
But SIDS is still the leading cause of death in babies older than 1 month and younger than 1 year. Most deaths are associated with sleep (older generations refer to it as crib death) and for the most part, it strikes without warning.
Reduce your baby’s risk by eliminating known risks
- Refrain from smoking, drinking or using drugs during pregnancy
- Protect your baby from second hand smoke
- Seek out early and regular prenatal care
- Visit your pediatrician regularly, especially if your baby was premature or underweight
- Safeguard against overheating with breathable sleepwear
- Eliminate loose bedding that could pose a suffocation risk
- Always put baby to sleep on her back
Additional Risks
- In 2005, The AAP found a higher risk of SIDS in babies who overheated during sleep. Because a baby can’t kick a foot out of the covers, they recommend room temperature be “comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.”
- African-American babies are twice as likely to die of SIDS as Caucasian babies.
- American-Indian/Alaska native babies are three times as likely to die of SIDS as Caucasian babies.
We hope that SIDS will be history in our lifetime, but until that happens we have SIDS awareness month to help you protect your baby. Your healthcare practitioner is a good place to start for answers, but these online sources will also provide well-researched information.
- First Candle Alliance
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- National Healthy Start Association
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Thanks for the sound tips on sleep and babies. THis topic always causes a fight in my family – but I like that there is good research behind what’s happening. Going to check out the links you supplied now. thx!
I’ve read that it’s very dangerous to start putting your baby to sleep on her back and then suddenly switch to the front. How would have ever thought napping was so dangerous.