Reducing Risks for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
SIDS means that a baby dies in his or her sleep and the doctor's cannot find any other cause of death. SIDS occurs quickly and without warning. You may hear some people call SIDS "crib death" because it happens to babies who are sleeping. It is important to know, however, that sleeping in a crib does not cause a baby to die of SIDS. In fact a crib is the SAFEST place for your baby to sleep.
Healthy Babies Should Sleep on Their Back
- One of the most important things you can do to help reduce the risk of SIDS is to put your healthy baby on his or her back to sleep. Do this when your baby is being put down for a nap or to bed for the night.
Other Things You Can Do to Help Reduce the Risk of SIDS
- Bedding - Make sure that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress or other firm surface. Don't use fluffy blankets or comforters under the baby. Don't let the baby sleep on a waterbed, sheepskin, a pillow, or other soft materials. When your baby is very young, don't place soft stuffed toys or pillows in the crib with him or her. Some babies have been smothered with these soft materials in the crib.
- Temperature - Babies should be kept warm, but they should not be allowed to get too warm. Keep the temperature in your baby's room so that it feels comfortable to you.
- Smoke-free - Create a smoke-free zone around your baby. No one should smoke around your baby. Babies and young children exposed to smoke have more colds and other diseases, as well as an increased risk of SIDS.
- Doctor or clinic visits - If your baby seems sick, call your doctor or clinic right away. Make sure your baby receives his or her shots on schedule.
- Prenatal care - Early and Regular prenatal care can also help reduce the risk of SIDS. The risk of SIDS is higher for babies whose mothers smoked during pregnancy. For your baby's well being, you should not use alcohol or drugs during pregnancy unless prescribed by a doctor.
- Breastfeeding - If possible, you should consider breastfeeding your baby. Breast milk helps to keep your baby healthy.
- The best place for you baby to sleep is in a crib. If you don't have a crib, you can use something sturdy and flat, like a dresser drawer, placed on the floor by the bed.
Enjoy your baby! Remember, most babies are born healthy and most stay that way. Don't let the fear of SIDS spoil your joy and enjoyment of having a new baby.