October is SIDS Awareness Month

 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Did you know that 80-90% of SIDS-related deaths are due to unsafe sleep practices?

ALWAYS:

• Place baby to sleep on his or her back at naptime and at night time.
• Use a crib that meets current safety standards with a firm mattress that fits snuggly and is covered with only a tight-fitting crib sheet.
• Remove all soft bedding and toys from your baby’s sleep area (this includes loose blankets, bumpers, pillows and positioners). The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using a wearable blanket instead of loose blankets to keep your baby warm.
• Offer a pacifier when putting baby to sleep. If breastfeeding, introduce pacifier after one month or after breastfeeding has been established.
• Breastfeed, if possible, but when finished, put your baby back to sleep in his or her separate safe sleep area alongside your bed.

NEVER:

• Never put your baby to sleep on any soft surface.
• Never dress your baby too warmly for sleep; keep room temperature 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Never allow anyone to smoke around your baby or take your baby into a room or car where someone has recently smoked.

Nothing else should go in the crib with your baby
no blanket, pillow, bumper pads or toys. 

 

What SIDS Is and What SIDS Is Not

SIDS Is:

• The major cause of death in infants from 1 month to 1 year of age, with most deaths occurring between 2 and 4 months
• Sudden and silent - the infant was seemingly healthy
• Currently, unpredictable and unpreventable
• Determined only after an autopsy, an examination of the death scene, and a review of the clinical history
• Designated as a diagnosis of exclusion
• A recognized medical disorder listed in the International Classification of Diseases, ( 9th Revision)
• An infant death that leaves unanswered questions, causing intense grief for parents and families.

SIDS Is Not:

• Caused by vomiting and choking, or minor illnesses such as colds or infections
• Caused by immunizations
• Contagious
• Child abuse
• The cause of every unexpected infant death