| SUDDEN
INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS) |
Click on the links below for important
information on SIDS.
What is SIDS?
Why is it important?
Ways to lower the risk of
SIDS
Check with your Doctor or
Nurse
Enjoy Your Baby!
What is SIDS:
(Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome)
SIDS is the same thing as crib death. It means
that a baby dies quickly without warning and the
reason is unknown. SIDS can happen to any family
no matter what ethnic background they are, how
much money they make, or where they live. No one
is to blame when a baby dies of SIDS. It cannot
be predicted. We still do not know what causes
babies to die of SIDS.
Top ^
Why Is It Important
For You To Know About SIDS?
 SIDS is the major cause of death for babies from
birth to one year of age. Far too many African
American babies are born too early, too small,
and die before their first birthday. In
California, the number of SIDS deaths has been
decreasing dramatically except in the African
American community where babies continue to die
of SIDS at a high rate. In fact, an African
American baby is nearly three times more likely
to die of SIDS than babies of other races. Now
we know ways for you to help lower your baby's
risk of SIDS.
Top ^
Ways to Lower the Risk of SIDS
The proper care of an infant is important for
everyone who looks after a baby...not just
parents but other members of the family
including grandparents and other caregivers such
as foster parents, childcare providers and
babysitters. For years parents were told to
place their babies to sleep on their stomach.
However, studies have shown, by placing your
baby to sleep on his/her back and following a
few simple baby care practices, you can lower
your baby's chance of dying of SIDS.
Place your baby on his/her back to sleep
One of the most important things that you can do
to help lower the risk of SIDS is to place your
baby to sleep on his/her back. Doctors now
recommend that babies be placed on their backs
to sleep. Keep in mind that:
 Some babies
with health problems may need to sleep on their
stomach.
 Babies that
roll over on their own should not be forced to
stay on their back.
 Babies should
be place in a variety of positions while awake.
Top ^
SIDS is more common among those babies who
are exposed to smoke.
 Smoke is not good for your baby. Babies
exposed to smoke get sick more often and have
more medical problems.
Do not smoke anything during your pregnancy.
Always provide a smoke free environment for your
baby.
Your baby needs to sleep on a firm, flat surface
It is unsafe for your baby to sleep on soft
things like cushions, pillows, blankets, the
couch, sheepskins, foam pads or waterbeds. Your
baby should sleep on a firm mattress or other
firm surface.
Remove pillows and stuffed toys from where your
baby sleeps.
Your baby needs to be kept warm, not hot
If the room temperature is right for you, it
will be right for your baby.
As a general rule, dress your baby with the same
amount of clothing that you are wearing.
Your baby needs to have regular check-ups and
immunizations
It is important that your baby receives routine
physical exams and gets his/her shots on time.
If your baby seems sick, call your doctor or
clinic right away.
Breastfeed your baby
Breastfeeding your baby is the best choice.
Breastfed babies are healthier. Studies have
shown that breastfeeding may lower the risk of
SIDS.
Top ^
Check With Your Doctor or Nurse
 Most babies should sleep on their back. But a
few babies have health problems that might
require them to sleep on their tummy. If your
baby was born with a birth defect, was born
before your due date, or has a breathing, lung
or heart problem, be sure to talk to a doctor or
nurse about which sleep position to use.
Some mothers worry that babies sleeping on their
back may choke on spit-up or vomit during sleep.
There is no evidence that sleeping on the back
causes choking. Millions of babies around the
world now sleep on their back and doctors have
not found an increase in choking or other
problems.
Some babies at first don't like sleeping on
their back, but most get used to it. Talk to a
nurse or doctor if you have any questions about
your baby's sleeping position.
Top ^
Enjoy Your Baby!
Remember, most babies are born healthy and most
stay that way. Don't let the fear of SIDS spoil
you enjoyment of having a new baby.
|
