How to Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Most parents worry about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), but the chances of an average baby dying from SIDS are less than 2 in 1,000. These steps can help further reduce the risk.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby Monitors (for Babies With Apnea)
• Amplifiers
• Microphones
• Speaker Systems
• Firm Mattresses

1. Place your baby on her back to sleep, not on her tummy.

2. Give your baby a firm mattress.

3. Keep your baby away from secondhand smoke.

4. Never put your baby to sleep on a water bed or beanbag chair.

5. Don't use plastic top sheets or allow plastic bags or film near the crib.

6. Make sure your baby doesn't get overheated - avoid multiple layers of clothing and hot blankets.

7. Keep stuffed toys, pillows and heavy comforters out of the crib along with anything else that might smother the baby.

8. If your baby suffers from sleep apnea (cessation of breathing), which can be life-threatening, consider purchasing a monitor that signals you if your baby suddenly stops breathing.

Tips & Warnings

• Babies who have survived a life-threatening incident in which they turned blue, stopped breathing and required significant intervention or resuscitation are at a higher risk for SIDS. Premature and low'birth weight babies may also be more susceptible.
• Most deaths occur between the second and fourth months, at home, in the crib, in cold weather and between midnight and 8 a.m. Consult your pediatrician for more information about SIDS.

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[emiandgabbibff]

on 7/5/2009 Great work!! I personally would suggest not to send infants to daycare for the first 6 months.

[bnparty]

on 6/17/2009 The tips and warnings are great!

[ecm1980]

on 5/1/2009 Great advice...especially about the sleep apnea.

[danielzrib]

on 2/24/2008 Very sensible suggestions! Parents also might consider delaying immunizations for at least six months, if the child does not go to daycare. There seems to be a link between vaccinations and SIDS.