October 15, 2008
New mothers are counseled to put babies to sleep on their backs.
The Word from WIC
Back to Sleep: Bringing Awareness to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
By Patricia Ruth Atchinson, UAA Dietetic Intern
October is National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome awareness month, created to increase knowledge of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, often called SIDS or "crib death," is the sudden and unexplained death of a child one month to one year of age. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development started the "Back to Sleep" campaign to raise awareness of SIDS and encourage parents to put their babies to sleep on their backs. SIDS is the leading cause of death in children one month to one year old, occurring most frequently in infants between four and six months of age. American Indian and Alaskan Native babies are three times as likely to be affected by SIDS as non-Native babies, so encouraging safe sleeping habits in your infant is important.
While no one knows the cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, there are several ways you can reduce SIDS risk.
Ways to limit the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Always place babies on their backs to sleep-Placing your baby on his or her back to sleep is the best possible way to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Only place babies on their stomachs when they are awake, alert, and someone is watching over them. Babies who sleep on their backs and nap on their stomachs are at higher risk of developing SIDS, so it is important to limit "tummy time" to times when someone is available to watch the baby.
Place your baby on a firm sleep surface, such as a crib mattress. Overly plush or soft bedding can increase the risk of SIDS.
Keep toys, comfort blankets, and anything plush out of your baby's sleep area, including crib bumpers.
Don't let your baby get overly warm while sleeping-a comfortable room temperature should be fine.
If you are breastfeeding, do not put your baby down with a pacifier until at least one month old, or until they are used to breast feeding.
If you do put your baby down with a pacifier, make sure it is clean and dry before sleep.
Do not smoke near the baby-second-hand smoke can increase your baby's risk for SIDS, and babies who die of SIDS frequently have higher levels of nicotine in their lungs than healthy babies.
With increased awareness of SIDS, the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is decreasing. Implementing the above tips and watching your child carefully reduces his or her risk of SIDS and could save a life!
Sources: The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The Center for Disease Control
