Prevent SIDS - Practical "To Do" List For Parents
SIDS claims up to 3,000 young lives a year and is the number one killer of children from the ages of birth to one year old.
After many years of lab research as well as studying the physical history of children who have succumbed to the syndrome, professional researchers can now provide more concrete suggestions that can help prevent SIDS in young children.
These tips have proved to be very useful in lowering the death rate from SIDS among infants.
1.
DO purchase a firm mattress for your baby.
Many parents make the mistake in thinking that the best mattress for their infant is a very soft, comfy mattress that will envelope their young one while they sleep.
This, however, can be deadly to some infants who may not be able to fight their way above the soft, deep material in order to breathe.
It is always best to choose a firm, smooth mattress that supports the body weight of your child without allowing her to sink into its material.
2.
DO remove stuffed animals, blankets, pillows and even bumper pads.
Anything that could possibly restrict the breathing or cause a baby to suffocate should be removed.
Even if it seems impossible for a little one to get tangled in items in his crib, always be safe and remove everything from the crib.
3.
DO move your baby's crib into your room.
Even though more and more parents prefer to put their infants into their own nurseries, studies have shown that there is a sharp decrease in the number of babies who die from SIDS if they sleep in their parent's bedroom.
Some European studies have shown these interesting findings.
4.
DO quit smoking.
A baby's risk of dying from SIDS is greater if the mother smokes or if the child is exposed to second hand smoke from someone else.
An infant's respiratory system is negatively affected by cigarette smoke.
You can significantly lower your child's risk to SIDS if you don't expose him to smoke.
5.
DO let your baby sleep on his or her back.
It is easy for a baby to bury her face in the mattress, if lying on her tummy, which can cause suffocation since infants can't as easily lift their heads to breathe.
Doctors advise that it's best to put babies on their backs to sleep when very young.
Also, keep a watch on your child throughout the night if a cold develops since respiratory problems are linked to SIDS.
It is also suggested that pacifiers may be a contributor in some cases, so make sure your infant's breathing isn't obstructed by a pacifier.
6.
DO use organic, natural sleep items.
Some studies suggest that some toxins from flame retardant mattresses and baby clothing may affect the respiratory system of some children who have been a victim of SIDS.
Simple, clean and nontoxic are simple watchwords for keeping baby's sleep area safe.
While there is nothing to absolutely guarantee against the development of SIDS, these are some very practical tips that have been proven to lower the rate of this syndrome in the overall number of infant deaths in recent years.
Be sure to check with your pediatrician for further questions you may have about other ways to help prevent SIDS.
After many years of lab research as well as studying the physical history of children who have succumbed to the syndrome, professional researchers can now provide more concrete suggestions that can help prevent SIDS in young children.
These tips have proved to be very useful in lowering the death rate from SIDS among infants.
1.
DO purchase a firm mattress for your baby.
Many parents make the mistake in thinking that the best mattress for their infant is a very soft, comfy mattress that will envelope their young one while they sleep.
This, however, can be deadly to some infants who may not be able to fight their way above the soft, deep material in order to breathe.
It is always best to choose a firm, smooth mattress that supports the body weight of your child without allowing her to sink into its material.
2.
DO remove stuffed animals, blankets, pillows and even bumper pads.
Anything that could possibly restrict the breathing or cause a baby to suffocate should be removed.
Even if it seems impossible for a little one to get tangled in items in his crib, always be safe and remove everything from the crib.
3.
DO move your baby's crib into your room.
Even though more and more parents prefer to put their infants into their own nurseries, studies have shown that there is a sharp decrease in the number of babies who die from SIDS if they sleep in their parent's bedroom.
Some European studies have shown these interesting findings.
4.
DO quit smoking.
A baby's risk of dying from SIDS is greater if the mother smokes or if the child is exposed to second hand smoke from someone else.
An infant's respiratory system is negatively affected by cigarette smoke.
You can significantly lower your child's risk to SIDS if you don't expose him to smoke.
5.
DO let your baby sleep on his or her back.
It is easy for a baby to bury her face in the mattress, if lying on her tummy, which can cause suffocation since infants can't as easily lift their heads to breathe.
Doctors advise that it's best to put babies on their backs to sleep when very young.
Also, keep a watch on your child throughout the night if a cold develops since respiratory problems are linked to SIDS.
It is also suggested that pacifiers may be a contributor in some cases, so make sure your infant's breathing isn't obstructed by a pacifier.
6.
DO use organic, natural sleep items.
Some studies suggest that some toxins from flame retardant mattresses and baby clothing may affect the respiratory system of some children who have been a victim of SIDS.
Simple, clean and nontoxic are simple watchwords for keeping baby's sleep area safe.
While there is nothing to absolutely guarantee against the development of SIDS, these are some very practical tips that have been proven to lower the rate of this syndrome in the overall number of infant deaths in recent years.
Be sure to check with your pediatrician for further questions you may have about other ways to help prevent SIDS.
