Here, we try to educate new parent's about SIDS. There are a lot of facts that are the truth about SIDS and
there are a lot of myths about SIDS as well. Here we will differentiate between the two, and hopefully make you
understand better how to eleiminate some risks associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
there are a lot of myths about SIDS as well. Here we will differentiate between the two, and hopefully make you
understand better how to eleiminate some risks associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
| First and foremost - Never sleep with your child! SIDS can and does affect babies 0-2 years. Bedsharing between children is also very discouraged with any child 2 and under. Sleeping with you child not only raises the risk of SIDS but also causes what is called "accidental Roll-Over" when parents roll on to their children and suffocate them. |
What SIDS is. SIDS is the unexplained and abrupt death of a child 2 and under. Some will say 1 year of age
and under, however there have been cases of a child being older. SIDS is determined after an autopsy and a
thourough investigation of the scene and the clinical history of the child. (paraphrased - National Institute of
Child Health and Human Development in PediatricPathology) There are only preventative measures to take
when dealing with SIDS at this time, since SIDS is not a fully understood affliction. Through studies conducted,
most children who die of SIDS are between 2-4 months old.
and under, however there have been cases of a child being older. SIDS is determined after an autopsy and a
thourough investigation of the scene and the clinical history of the child. (paraphrased - National Institute of
Child Health and Human Development in PediatricPathology) There are only preventative measures to take
when dealing with SIDS at this time, since SIDS is not a fully understood affliction. Through studies conducted,
most children who die of SIDS are between 2-4 months old.
Preventative Measures:
During pregnancy
* Get early prenatal care.
* Don't smoke (either parent), drink or use illicit drugs.
After the baby is born
* Place the baby on his or her back to sleep unless your
physician specifically recommends otherwise.
* Use firm bedding materials; do not use a water bed.
* Do not wrap the baby too tightly, which risks overheating. Do not keep the nursery too warm. If you use
comforters or heavy blankets, place the baby's feet to the bed's footboard so he or she cannot slip
completely beneath the covers.
* Don't allow anyone to smoke around the baby or allow the baby to spend time in rooms where people
smoke.
* If either parent smokes, do not take the baby to bed with you.
* Breast-feed if possible.
More information
* National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development's Back to Sleep hotline: (800) 505-CRIB
* SIDS Alliance hotline: (800) 221-7437
Source: Dr. Peter Fleming, University of Bristol
During pregnancy
* Get early prenatal care.
* Don't smoke (either parent), drink or use illicit drugs.
After the baby is born
* Place the baby on his or her back to sleep unless your
physician specifically recommends otherwise.
* Use firm bedding materials; do not use a water bed.
* Do not wrap the baby too tightly, which risks overheating. Do not keep the nursery too warm. If you use
comforters or heavy blankets, place the baby's feet to the bed's footboard so he or she cannot slip
completely beneath the covers.
* Don't allow anyone to smoke around the baby or allow the baby to spend time in rooms where people
smoke.
* If either parent smokes, do not take the baby to bed with you.
* Breast-feed if possible.
More information
* National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development's Back to Sleep hotline: (800) 505-CRIB
* SIDS Alliance hotline: (800) 221-7437
Source: Dr. Peter Fleming, University of Bristol
Dangers to Baby:
Loose Bedding (we suggest sleepsacks to be used in lieu of any top sheet or comforter. The comforter
may still be used as a wall hanging which is actually what the comforters are made for).
Unclean Air (smoking, dust, mold, etc..)
Too hot or too cold (extremem heat or cold is actually listed as a risk factor in SIDS babies).
Musical Mobiles (after baby can reach them we suggest you take them down or move them to adjust fit
on the wall - higher up.)
Bumper Padding (if not correctly tied on) - We suggest to make sure the bumper padding has at least a
tie for each two sections. This will ensure the baby cannot roll underneath the padding and his/her face
become stuck.
Smoking
Laying baby on the stomach (To place a child properly in a sleeping position is to place a child on
their BACK).
Loose Bedding (we suggest sleepsacks to be used in lieu of any top sheet or comforter. The comforter
may still be used as a wall hanging which is actually what the comforters are made for).
Unclean Air (smoking, dust, mold, etc..)
Too hot or too cold (extremem heat or cold is actually listed as a risk factor in SIDS babies).
Musical Mobiles (after baby can reach them we suggest you take them down or move them to adjust fit
on the wall - higher up.)
Bumper Padding (if not correctly tied on) - We suggest to make sure the bumper padding has at least a
tie for each two sections. This will ensure the baby cannot roll underneath the padding and his/her face
become stuck.
Smoking
Laying baby on the stomach (To place a child properly in a sleeping position is to place a child on
their BACK).
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
