Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
SIDS
A heartbreaking, yet potentially preventable tragedy that
affects a number of new parents is the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
(SIDS). For many years, this office has followed the progress of
research in this area because of the number of unexplained infant deaths that may,
in some instances, be called into question. Our research has been on
going, and has produced many materials that may be of interest to you as the
parent of a newborn child.
In our web site we have included information published by the
U.S.
Public Health Service together with the American
Academy of Pediatrics, the SIDS
Alliance and the Association of SIDS and
Infant Mortality Programs. I believe that it is important to deliver
this information to the public thought the District Attorney's website because
we come in contact with many individuals who might benefit from the sound
advice contained in these materials.
The materials provided are not a substitute for medical
information provided by your physician who should take the time to answer
questions that you might have about this issue.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of
an infant under one year of age.
SIDS, sometimes known as crib death, is the major cause of death in babies
from 1 month to 1 year of age. Most SIDS deaths occur when a baby is
between 1 and 4 months old. More boys than girls are victims, and most deaths
occur during the fall, winter and early spring months.
The death is sudden and unpredictable; in most cases, the baby seems
healthy. Death occurs quickly, usually during a sleep time.
After 30 years of research, scientists still cannot find one definite cause
or causes for SIDS. There is no way to predict or prevent SIDS. But, as
this brochure describes, research has found some things that can help reduce
the risk of SIDS.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of
an infant under one year of age. SIDS, sometimes known as crib death, strikes
nearly 5,000 babies in the United States every year. Doctors and nurses
don't know what causes SIDS, but they have found some things you can do to
make your baby safer.
One of the most important things you can do to help reduce the risk of SIDS
is to put your healthy baby on his or her back to sleep. Do this when
your baby is being put down for a nap or to bed for the night.
This is new. Your mother was told and, if you have other children,
you may have been told that babies should sleep on their tummy. Now,
doctors and nurses believe that fewer babies will die of SIDS if most infants
sleep on their back.
CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR NURSE
Most babies should sleep on their back. But a few babies have health
conditions that might require them to sleep on their tummy. If you baby
was born with a birth defect, often spits up after eating, or has a breathing,
lung or heart problem, be sure to talk to a doctor or nurse about which sleep
position to use.
Some mothers worry that babies sleeping on their back may choke on spit-up
or vomit during sleep. There is no evidence that sleeping on the back
causes choking. Millions of babies around the world now sleep on their
back and doctors have not found an increase in choking or other problems.
Some babies at first don't like sleeping on their back, but most get used
to it and this is the best sleep position for your baby. Although back
sleeping is the best sleep position, your baby can be placed on his or her
side. Side position does not provide as much protection against SIDS as
back sleeping, but it is much better than placing your baby on his or her
tummy.
Your baby can be placed on his or her stomach when awake. Some
"tummy time" during awake hours is good for your baby. Talk to
your doctor or nurse if you have questions about baby's sleep position.
- Bedding Make sure that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress
or other firm surface. Don't use fluffy blankets or comforters under
the baby. Don't let the baby sleep on a waterbed, sheepskin, a
pillow, or other soft materials. When your baby is very young, don't
place soft stuffed toys or pillows in the crib with him or her. Some
babies have smothered with these soft materials in the crib.
- Temperature Babies should be kept warm, but they should
not be allowed to get too warm. Keep the temperature in your baby's
room so that it feels comfortable to you.
- Smoke-free Create a smoke-free zone around your baby.
No one should smoke around your baby. Babies and young children
exposed to smoke have more colds and other diseases, as well as an
increased risk of SIDS.
- Doctor or clinic visits If your baby seems sick, call your
doctor or clinic right away. Make sure your baby receives his or her
shots on schedule.
- Prenatal care. Early and regular prenatal care can also
help reduce the risk of SIDS. The risks of SIDS is higher for babies
whose mothers smoked during pregnancy. For your baby's well being,
you should not use alcohol or drugs during pregnancy unless prescribed by
a doctor.
- Breastfeeding If possible, you should consider
breastfeeding your baby. Breast milk helps keep your baby healthy.
Enjoy your baby! Remember, most babies are born healthy and most stay
that way. Don't let the fear of SIDS spoil your joy and enjoyment of
having a new baby.
I wish you all the best on the birth of your child, and hope
that you find this parenting experience to be the best time of your
life. As a loving, nurturing and understanding parent, you are creating
a happy and healthy child who will be a leader of your community in the
future.
U.S. Public Health Service, American Academy
of Pediatrics, SIDS Alliance, and Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality
Programs.
©, Copyright, 1989-2006, District Attorney Nola
Tedesco Foulston, 18th Judicial District of Kansas
last update:
12/02/06
Comments or problems with this website may be e-mailed to the District Attorney Office.
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