Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby under 1 year of age. Because many SIDS babies are found in their cribs, some people call SIDS “crib death”. But, cribs do not cause SIDS.
Facts about SIDS:
SIDS is the leading cause of death in babies after 1 month of age.
Most SIDS deaths happen in babies who are between 2 and 4 months old.
African American babies are 2 times more likely and Native American babies 3 times more likely to die of SIDS than Caucasian babies.
More SIDS deaths happen in colder months.
Babies placed to sleep on their stomachs are much more likely to die of SIDS than babies placed on their backs to sleep.
What Can You Do to Help Lower the Risk of SIDS?
Always place baby on his or her back to sleep, even for naps.
Place your baby on a firm mattress, such as in a safety- approved crib.
Remove soft, fluffy and loose bedding and stuffed toys from your baby’s sleep area.
Make sure your baby’s face and head stay uncovered during sleep.
Do not allow smoking around your baby.
Don’t let your baby get too warm during sleep.
Make sure everyone who cares for your baby knows to place your baby on his or her back to sleep.
Tummy Time:
There are times when a baby can be on his or her tummy, this time is called “Tummy Time”, when he or she is awake and someone is watching. When the baby is awake, tummy time is good because it helps your baby’s neck and shoulder muscles get stronger.
Remember to pass on the ABC’s of safe sleep…
Alone on their Backs in their Cribs.
