Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

As much as we hate to think about it SIDS is the number one cause of infant death in the United States. According to Parents Magazine's article ninety percent of SIDS deaths occur in babies who are younger than 6 months.
Sleeping habits of the baby in your life are very important. In the last policy statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics in November 2005 on SIDs there were 5 Safety Guidelines.

Infants should be placed on their backs for sleep. This is non-negotiable according to AAP and has been recommended since 1992. The fact is that babies might very well sleep more soundly on their stomachs but that this could contribute to SIDS. It may allow them to not get enough oxygen and actually rebreath carbon dioxide which can be deadly.

This recommendation alone has decreased SIDS by more than 50%!

Share your bedroom with your baby during your child's first 6 months of life. Babies do not fall into such a sound sleep in the parent's room. They stir at the noises that the parents make and believe it or not these stirrings are protective.

Do not over dress your infant so that he/she is too warm while in bed as this causes a baby to fall into too sound a sleep and it can be difficult to awaken him.

Breastfeed. Breastfed babies are more easily roused from sleep that those that are formula fed.

Give your baby a pacifier. The reason for this is not clear. It maybe that the sucking action may keep the baby's tongue in the forward position which keeps the airway open.


It is also very important to make sure that other caregivers like grandparents follow these guidelines as well. According to AAP, in the US 20% of SIDS deaths occur while the baby is being care for by someone other than a parent.

A crib should be a safe place with nothing in it such as stuffed animals, pillows, comforters and loose blankets. Even bumper pads are not recommended unless they are very thin and well secured to the sides of the crib.

Don't be tempted to make the baby's room too warm either...if it is comfortable for an adult in a short sleeved shirt then it is good for the baby.

Of course check with your baby's pediatrician for direct advice as the above are opinions of the AAP and other sources. Your own doctor is always your source for guidance.

As always feel free to send your comments or questions. Have a great day.
Nana