Sudden Infant Death Syndrom (SIDS) is every parent's nightmare.
The notion that your precious baby might die in his sleep
strikes a cold hand of dread for all new mums and dads.
SIDS is the sudden death during sleep of an apparently healthy
child, under the age of one. A diagnosis of SIDS can only be
applied after adequate post mortem investigations reveal no
other causes. SIDS could be said to be a sudden death during
sleep for no apparent reason.
Medical researth has been extensive over the last few years.
The experts have identified a number of "risk area". You can
reduce the risk of SIDS substantially by following their
guidelines.
It is impossible to predict if a child will succumb to SIDS.
Medical research has failed to pinpoint a single exact cause but
it has indicated various "risk factors" Knowing where the risk
are can help you to eliminate them and thereby reduce the risk
of SIDS by up to 75%. Use these guidelines to help provide a
safe sleep environment for your baby.
Put your baby to sleep on his back.
The back to sleep campaign is thought to have reduced Sudden
Infant deaths by between 50 - 75%. This is fairly new advice.
Older mums (like me!) were probably told to put babies to sleep
on their stomachs. However, medical opinion is unanimous.
Putting baby to sleep on his/her back is the single most
important thing you can do to prevent SIDS.
Use a firm Mattress
with a fitted sheet. Do not put baby to sleep (even for a nap)
on soft surfaces such as water beds, sofa cushions, sheepskins
or sleeping bags.
Remove all soft things from the crib/sleep area
Take away fluffy blanket, pillows, soft toys, duvets etc
Keep baby's face uncovered.
Make sure that baby's face stays uncovered and that blankets
cannot shuffle up during the night. It is better to use sleep
clothing rather than blankets. If you do use blanket make sure
that you place baby at the foot of the crib (with his feet to
the bottom) and the blanket firmly tucked under the mattress and
no higher than baby's chest..
Do not smoke
Do not smoke during pregnancy and do not allow others to smoke
round your baby.
Sleep near to your baby.
It is suggested that you should keep baby in the parent's
bedroom until 6 months old. It is NOT intended that you share a
bed with your infant. It is hard to follow the SIDS prevention
rules in an adult bed. The mattress is usually too soft and the
pillows and fluffy bedding provide addition risks.
If you use a pacifier for sleep or nap times do not reinsert
it once baby is asleep
Do not allow your baby to overheat
The room should be at a temperature that is comfortable for an
adult. Do not use too many clothes or blankets.
Make sure everyone knows these prevention tips. Some of
this advice is new (especially back to sleep) and older carers
may not know. It is important that everyone who looks after you
baby is aware of the steps to keep your baby safe.
About the author:
Lack of sleep is the one of the hardest aspect of new parenthood. Sleep Baby Sleep is an advice website. You will find article to help with all aspects of baby sleep including the ferber method and the co-sleeping transition.
