Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a terrible tragedy for Parents to go through. The health and safety community do not know what causes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome but what we do know is SIDS is the leading cause of death for infants between 1 month and 12 months of age. The most common age group is among infants 2 to 4 months old.
Even though we do not know the precise cause we can, as Parents or caregivers, use safe sleeping practices to reduce the risk of SIDS in infants under the age of 1.
Science tells us the truth that SIDS is NOT caused by:
Immunizations
Vomiting or choking
Facts
One in five Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Deaths happens when an infant is being cared for by someone other than a parent. Investigations have determined that although the parent puts the baby to sleep on their backs the caregiver is unaware of the procedure and puts the baby on their tummy to sleep.
“Unaccustomed Tummy Sleeping” increases the risk of SIDS. Babies used to sleeping on their backs then placed on their tummies by a forgetful parent or caregiver are 18 times more likely to die from SIDS.
Reducing the Risk of SIDS
Always place healthy babies on their backs to sleep. Don’t use wedges to keep the baby in place as there is no evidence that this reduces the risk.
Consult your doctor if you feel the baby needs to sleep on their back or side and then follow the doctors instructions. Lake Mary Childcare always require a doctors note explaining why the baby needs to sleep on their back or side. You also need to know the time frame for this doctors instruction. For example’ “What is the end date of the doctors instruction?”
Always, always, instruct a baby sitter or caregiver of the absolute rule of “baby must sleep on their back”. Lake Mary Childcare mandatory rules are that teachers and substitutes must be trained on safe sleeping practices.
Use safety approved cribs.
Keep cribs free of toys, stuffed animals and extra bedding such as blankets, crib bumpers and pillows to prevent suffocation if the baby should roll over.
Place the baby’s feet at the foot of the crib. Clothes such as a baby sleeper that is specifically designed for sleeping babies, is a good way to keep baby warm but not hot. Usually this sleeper has no feet or sleeves. Socks to keep babies feet warm are good too.
Only sleep 1 baby per crib.
Keep the temperature of the room comfortable for an adult in light clothing.
When the baby is awake why not give some tummy time for the baby to exercise and strengthen their muscles and develop normally. This has to be supervised (in case baby falls asleep).
NO SMOKING IN BABY’S BEDROOM. This practice has been linked to an increase in the risk of SIDS.
By the way, adult beds are not a safe place for babies to sleep.
Finally, have a plan if there is an emergency with your baby.
This is written by a Lake Mary Childcare and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for medical care or advice that is given by medical organizations. There are many resources out there for you to gather information and advice such as from ‘Healthy Childcare America”. Also check out advice given by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 888-227-5409 or just ask your doctor.