Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Sudden infant death syndrome is also called SIDS. It is the sudden death of a baby under one year of age. The cause of death in SIDS is unknown. The death cannot be explained even after a review of the baby's health history, environment, and autopsy results. Sleeping in a prone (face down or lying on stomach) position puts your baby at higher risk of having SIDS. The risk gets higher if your baby is around people who smoke. Sleeping on a soft surface or in a hot environment, and sharing his bed may also increase the risk of SIDS.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Follow-up visit information:

Keep all appointments. Regular check-ups will help caregivers know if your baby has problems that need treatment. Take your baby to his caregiver for vaccinations (shots). Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your baby's next visit.

Decreasing the risk of SIDS:

There are no exact ways to prevent SIDS from happening but some things may be done to decrease the risk. The following are ways that may help protect your baby from SIDS:

• Position:
  
  
  • Sleep on his back: Place your baby on his back every time he sleeps, this includes naps and at night. Do this even if he may sleep more soundly lying on his stomach or on his side. Babies who sleep on their back are not more likely to choke. Change the direction your baby faces when lying down to help prevent flat spots. Have him sleep on his back unless a medical condition requires your baby to lie in another position. Ask your baby's caregiver which sleeping position is best for your baby.
    
    
  • Tummy time: Put your baby on his stomach while he is awake with someone watching. Tummy time helps your baby's head, neck, and shoulder muscles get stronger. This may also prevent flat spots from forming on your baby's head.
  
  
• Sleep area:
  
  
  • Use a firm sleep surface: Place your baby on a firm flat surface to sleep. Do not let him sleep on soft surfaces. These include pillows, soft mattresses, waterbeds, quilts, sheepskins, beanbags, or other forms of bedding. Your baby's crib should be a safety-approved crib.
    
    
  • Keep soft objects and loose bedding out of the sleep area: Keep your baby's crib free from other things, such as pillows, comforters, and stuffed toys. If bumper pads are used, they should be thin, firm, well-secured, and not pillow-like. Use a fitted bottom sheet made for your baby's crib. The mattress should be the correct size and against all four sides of the crib. Keep all items away from your baby's face. If a blanket is to be used, your baby's feet should reach the foot of the crib. The blankets can be tucked in around the crib mattress and should reach only to the level of your baby's chest.
    
    
  • Sleep in separate beds but same room: Place your baby in the same room but not in the same bed when sleeping. Put him in a separate sleep area, such as a bassinet, crib, or cradle. Do not let him sleep on the same bed with other children or adults. Do not share a bed with your baby especially if you have been drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or if you are a smoker. Do not let him sleep on an adult's bed, sofa, or armchair. If you need to breast feed, always put him back in his own bed when finished.
  
  
• Environment:
  
  
  • Avoid overheating: Your baby should be kept warm, but not hot. Do not over-clothe your baby. Dress him in light sleepwear and do not wrap or cover him with too many blankets. Keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult wearing light clothing. Your baby should not be sweating or feel hot to the touch.
    
    
  • Keep your area smoke-free: Do not smoke or let others smoke near you when you are pregnant. Do not let others smoke around your baby.
  
  
• Pacifier use: Consider using a pacifier when placing your baby down to sleep during the first year of life. If he rejects it, do not force him to take it. Do not coat the pacifier with any sweet solution. Do not put the pacifier back in your baby's mouth once he falls asleep. Clean it often and replace it regularly. If your baby breast feeds, wait until he is at least one month of age before using the pacifier.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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