Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby. Since the death may happen when the baby is sleeping in a crib, SIDS is also called crib death. It usually occurs in babies aged 2 to 4 months old but is one of the leading causes of death for all infants under 1 year old.

Unfortunately, the exact cause of SIDS is unknown. Studies have shown, however, that most babies who die from SIDS and other sleep-related deaths have one or more risk factors. Some of these can be prevented, especially risk factors for the mother like smoking, drinking or using drugs during pregnancy. Lack of prenatal care is another risk factor for mothers, along with not breastfeeding and simply being a young mom.

Risk factors for babies include preterm birth, low birth weight, not breastfeeding and not getting immunizations. Sleep safety is another huge risk factor when it comes to SIDS. Babies who sleep on soft surfaces or with loose blankets or pillows are at greater risk. Infants who share a bed with others and those who are over bundled and too warm are also at higher risk.

To lower the risk for SIDS and other sleep-related deaths, it is important to follow the ABCs of safe sleep. The A stands for “alone,” the B for “back” and the C for “crib.” Alone means nothing should be in the crib with the baby. No blankets, bumper pads, toys, stuffed animals, etc. The other meaning of alone refers to the baby sleeping with no one else.

“It is extremely important that babies are physically alone,” said Christine Powell, BSN, RN, bereavement, family education and outreach coordinator at the Aultman Birth Center, on a recent Health Matters broadcast. “No parents or siblings should sleep with baby. The B is for back because babies should always be placed on their backs when you put them down.”

C stands for crib. However, it doesn’t need to be an actual crib. “You can use a pack and play, bassinet, cradle, anything that is designed for sleep,” Powell said. “Just do not use a car seat or a swing, as they are not safe sleeping areas.”

Keeping baby warm is always a concern for new parents. However, Powell recommends going with the philosophy of “less is more.”

“Most parents tend to overdress their babies,” she said. “We recommend the use of a sleep sack, with a T-shirt or onesie underneath and that is sufficient.”

A sleep sack is a one-piece sleep outfit, or wearable blanket. It alleviates the need for an extra blanket. Loose blankets can get up over a baby’s face and cover the mouth and nose. Babies don’t have the ability to move that blanket from their face and can’t get themselves out of a dangerous situation.

In addition to following the ABCs and using a sleep sack, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that babies sleep close to their parent's bed for at least the first six months. Of course, this means in a separate crib or bassinet – and ideally room sharing can take place for the baby's first year.

A few more tips to reduce the risk of SIDS include:

• Not allowing smoking around your baby
  
  
• Taking your baby for checkups and vaccines
  
  
• Breastfeeding your baby
  
  
• Always placing cribs, bassinets and play yards in hazard-free areas

Source:
The StayWell Company, LLC