Reduce the risk of SIDS
THE CAUSE IS UNKNOWN!
SIDS is an
unpredictable medical disorder. It is not caused by immunizations or by child
abuse. It strikes families of all races, ethnic and socioeconomic origins
without warning; neither parent nor physician can predict that something is
going wrong. In fact, most SIDS victims appear healthy prior to death.
Researchers are getting closer to answers, but currently there are no
explanations for the cause of the deaths of these apparently healthy
babies.
Can SIDS be prevented? No, not yet. But, some recent studies have
begun to isolate several risk factors
which, though not
causes of SIDS, may play a role in some cases.
Parent Activities:
Review your child’s
air environment and make necessary changes to ensure his or her health and
safety. No smoking, no dust and fresh air ventilation. Read the brochure
“Back to Sleep” Place the door hanger on baby’s bedroom door.
Talk to grandparents and other relatives about the importance of putting baby
to sleep on his/her back to sleep. Discuss co-sleeping with your doctor before
leaving the hospital.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden death an infant under one year old that remains UNEXPLAINED after a thorough case investigation, including the performance of a complete autopsy, examining the death scene and reviewing the clinical history. It is the leading cause of post neonatal death of infants up to one year of age, claiming nearly 3000 lives per year in the U.S. It is an unpredictable medical disorder. It is not caused by Immunizations or by child abuse.
How can you reduce the risk of losing a baby to SIDS?
Place healthy babies on their BACKS to sleep, not on their tummies. Side-sleeping is not as safe as on back. Tummy time while baby is awake is fine if someone is watching him.
Babies should be placed to sleep only on a FIRM MATTRESS or other firm surface.
Babies should be kept warm, but not to warm; the room should feel comfortable to you.
Never allow anyone to smoke around your baby.
Mothers should get early and regular care during pregnancy, and should consider Breast Feeding.
Call your doctor or clinic right away if your baby seems sick, and make sure he/she is immunized.
Remove soft, fluffy, and loose bedding and stuffed toys from your baby’s sleep area. ONLY THE BABY IN THE CRIB!
A nationwide, 24 hour, tollfree SIDS Information and Referral Hotline ( 1-800-221- SIDS) is available. In the Yakima area, you can call 509-575-8160.
