SIDS: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Crib Death

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Sorry for the sad subject line but this is something that’s very important.

What is it?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden unexplained death of a baby (younger than 1 year of age).

Here’s some stats (source here)

  • SIDS is the leading cause of death among babies between 1 month and 1 year of age.

  • More than 2,000 babies died of SIDS in 2010, the last year for which such statistics are available.

  • Most SIDS deaths occur when in babies between 1 month and 4 months of age, and the majority (90%) of SIDS deaths occur before a baby reaches 6 months of age. However SIDS deaths can occur anytime during a baby's first year.

  • SIDS is a sudden and silent medical disorder that can happen to an infant who seems healthy.

  • SIDS is sometimes called "crib death" or "cot death" because it is associated with the timeframe when the baby is sleeping. Cribs themselves don't cause SIDS, but the baby's sleep environment can influence sleep-related causes of death.

  • Slightly more boys die of SIDS than do girls.

  • In the past, the number of SIDS deaths seemed to increase during the colder months of the year. But today, the numbers are more evenly spread throughout the calendar year.

  • SIDS rates for the United States have dropped steadily since 1994 in all racial and ethnic groups. Thousands of infant lives have been saved, but some ethnic groups are still at higher risk for SIDS.

Here are 3 Ways to Prevent SIDS and Other Sleep Related Deaths

There’s no sure way to prevetn SIDS but these steps can reduce the risk SIDS and other sleep related deaths.

1) Baby Sleeps on Their Back - Always

Having Baby sleep on their back greatly reduces SIDS.

Please make sure anyone who takes care of your Baby knows this also, especially grandparents. They might have a different.

Sleeping on their sides does not count. They can still roll over our their stomach and suffocate.

2) Baby Sleeps on a Firm Surface with a Fitted Sheet

Do not us soft surfaces, such as couches and sofas. Also, please, no pillows, quilts blankets, toys, stuffed animals and crib bumpers.

3) Do Not Let Baby Get Too Hot

Keep the room at a temperature that comfortable for an adult. Also, no more that one more extra layer of clothing that an adult would wear to be comfortable.

Bonus Tip - Breast Feed

Besides the many other benefits, breastfeeding can help prevent SIDS.

If you would like to learn more about SIDS please click here

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