It could be thought of by parents who know about SIDS as their worst fear. Sudden infant death syndrome is referred to as crib death or SIDS. It is when, during sleep, a baby 12 months or younger dies without warning signs or a specific cause.
While there is no 100% way to avoid SIDS, there is a lot you can do to lower the risk for your infant. “The SIDS rate has fallen more than 60 percent since the American Academy of Pediatrics released its safe sleep guidelines in 1992 and launched its” Back to Sleep “campaign in 1994. The CDC recorded 39.4 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015 , compared to 154.5 deaths in 1990.
Placed on His back a Sleeping Infant
The chance of SIDS for your baby is much higher if he sleeps on his side or stomach. (A baby will turn over on his stomach on his side.) These positions place the face of your baby in the mattress or sleeping area, which can smother him.
So, any time you put your child to sleep in his bed — for naps, at night, or at any time — let him lie down on his back. Don’t let him sleep for an extended period of time in a stroller, car seat, baby seat or swing. Get him out and lay him on a flat bed or floor.
Tell someone who takes care of your child how vital it is to always lay your sleeping baby on his or her back. This involves grandparents, providers of babysitters and childcare, older siblings and others. Maybe they think it won’t matter one time, but it does. The chance of SIDS is much higher when a baby who normally sleeps on his back is unexpectedly placed on his stomach to sleep.
If you’re worried that your baby could choke on his back while sleeping, don’t be. Choking is very rare, and healthy babies appear to naturally swallow or cough up fluids. Ask your pediatrician to lift the head of your baby’s bed if you’re concerned.
He does not remain on his back until your baby can turn over both directions, which normally happens about 6 months. That’s OK. Once he knows how to turn over, it’s okay to let him pick his own sleeping place.
Firm Bed, No Bedding or Soft Toys
Always lay your baby down to sleep on a firm mattress or surface in a crib or bassinet to avoid smothering or suffocation. The fitted sheet is what your child’s crib needs — do not place covers, quilts, pillows, sheepskin, plush toys, or crib bumpers in your child’s crib.
Contact the Commission for Consumer Product Protection at 800-638-2772 or www.cpsc.gov to check the protection of your baby’s mattress or crib.
Don’t smoke your baby around
Here’s a big reason to stop before you get pregnant if you smoke: babies born to women who smoked during pregnancy die three times as often from SIDS as babies born to non-smokers. Smoking is a big risk factor for SIDS when you are pregnant, and secondhand smoke around your baby often raises the likelihood of SIDS. Don’t let anyone around your baby smoke.
Hold your dormant child near, but not in your bed
Studies show that when a baby sleeps in the same bed as a parent, it reduces the risk of SIDS. But it’s risky for a baby to sleep in the same bed, in an armchair, and on a sofa with another child or an adult.
If you carry your infant to your bed for soothing or breastfeeding, when you’re ready to sleep, be sure to place the baby back in his own cradle, bassinet, or crib. Do not breastfeed while sitting in a chair or on a sofa if you fall asleep if you are tired.
When you are very tired or are using drugs that disturb your sleep, never carry the baby to bed with you.
Breastfeed for the longest time you can
Your baby’s breastfeeding will lower the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%, but experts are not sure why. Some believe that breast milk can protect babies from infections that increase their risk of SIDS. If you breastfeed, do not drink alcohol, because that increases your baby’s risk of SIDS. The simple touch, however, is beneficial. For the development of your baby, skin-to – skin contact is vital.
Immunize Your Kid
Data suggests that babies who have been immunized have a 50 percent reduced risk of SIDS relative to babies who are not fully immunized, in line with guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC.
Try using a pacifier to bring your child to sleep.
It can also help prevent SIDS by putting your baby to sleep with a pacifier, but researchers are not sure why. When using a pacifier, there are a couple of tips to follow:
If you are breastfeeding, before you start using a pacifier, wait until your baby is breastfeeding consistently (at least 1 month old). Introducing a pacifier too soon will lead to confusion about the nipple and cause your baby to prefer the nipple of the pacifier over your own.
Don’t ask your baby to pick up a pacifier unless he wants it.
When you put him down to sleep, put the pacifier in your baby’s mouth, just don’t put it back in his mouth until he falls asleep.
Keep the pacifier clean, and if the nipple is scratched, buy a new one.
Don’t use honey, alcohol, or some other material to cover the pacifier.
Stop the kid from overheating
Since overheating can increase the risk of SIDS for a baby, dress your child in light, comfortable sleeping clothes, and keep the temperature of the room at a level that is comfortable for an adult.
If you’re concerned about your child staying warm, dress him in a “onesie,” a pajamas covering the arms , legs, hands , and feet, or put him in a “wearable blanket” or “sleep bag.” Do not use a normal blanket, however,—your child can get tangled in it or pull the blanket over his face.
Steer Clear of goods claiming to minimize SIDS risk
It is best to avoid any product that claims it can minimize the risk of SIDS for your infant, since it has not been proved safe or successful. It has also not been established that cardiac monitors and electronic respirators minimize the risk of SIDS, so avoid these, too.
Don’t give honey to a baby under the age of 1
Because honey can lead to botulism in very young children, a child under 1 year of age may never give honey. It may be related to SIDS by botulism and the bacteria that cause it.
Know, the health care provider for your baby is always available to answer any questions you have about preventing SIDS, SIDS, and keeping your baby warm, happy, and safe.