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Preventing SIDS

SIDS (Sudden Infant Death) is one of the most tragic events a parent could face. SIDS by definition is determined after a thorough autopsy finds nothing wrong when a baby is found dead in it's sleep. While the occurance of SIDS has declined signficantly in the past decade, due in good part to education, it's still vital to pay close attention to to the guidelines for reducing the risk of SIDS.

• When you are pregnant, take good care of yourself and go in for your regularly scheduled doctors appointments.
• Use of Cocaine, Heroin, and Tobacco while pregnant great increase your babies chance of SIDS.
• Waiting at least one year between pregnancies can reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Put baby to sleep on their back. This fact can't be overlooked. Since the "Back to Sleep" campaign started in 1992, the rate of SIDS has declined by over 40%!
• Do not let your baby overheat. Keep them appropriately dressed for sleep and in a room that is no warmer than you yourself would be comfortable in.
• Breastfeed your baby. Studies have proven that breastfed babies have a lower risk of SIDS.
• Keep your baby away from cigarette smoke. Do not let your baby even in the same house as a smoker. Second hand smoke increases your babies chance of SIDS.
• Place your baby on a firm mattress to sleep, free of blankets and stuffed animals.
• Give your baby a pacifier to sleep, if they will take one, the first year. Studies have show that this decreases babies risk for SIDS.
• Have babies sleep in the same room as you, in their own bassinette. Research shows that the link to SIDS is reduced when you sleep in the same room as your baby.

Some great resources to learn more about SIDS:
SIDS Families, American SIDS Insititute