What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

Its very scary bringing your newborn home and finding out that every newborn is in risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. You heard something about SIDS but do not know what causes it. Well Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is sudden death of an infant under 1 year old. Generally, it affects infants who are between 2 and 4 months old. It usually happens during wintertime when parent keeps their newborn to warm. SIDS mostly occurs while infant is sleeping face down. There is also a chance of SIDS when an infants sleep on their back or side.

They are no explanations why SIDS occur or cause it. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome could occur to any healthy newborn baby. There is a chance that the following may increase SIDS on an infant.

Putting an infant on their stomach while sleeping.

If you're infant is born with birth defects

Do not keep your infant to warm during wintertime. Keeping you baby too warm may increase SIDS.

No prenatal care or not taking care of yourself while pregnant.

Having a newborn premature or a low birth weight newborn.

An infant has an infection or had an infection.

If you smoke around an infant or the mother smokes during or after pregnancy, there is a chance of SIDS.

If the mother using illegal drugs during pregnancy.

If the mother is too young around 20

Using feathery or soft cover that could suffocate the infant.

How can I decrease the chance of SIDS?

Sleeping Position:

You could place you infant on his back while sleeping to minimize Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. This also includes naps.

The infant may also sleep on their side.

You could use "tummy time". Tummy time is placing your baby on their stomach while awake. This could be good for your baby's neck and shoulder muscle.

Sleeping Surfaces:

You should never place your infant to sleep on soft surfaces. Pillows, soft mattresses, waterbeds, quilts, sheepskin, beanbags, infants should not be placed.

Do not surround the crib with stuffed animals, toys, pillow bumper pads. Use the correct size of mattress and sheet for the crib. This could save your baby from suffocating or being stuck between mattresses and crib.

Head covering:

Do not cover infant head while sleeping. This could cause suffocation.

Overheating: Do not put a lot of clothing on your child. This would cause overheating. Try using a sleeper and have the room at a comfortable temperature level. Do not use many covers. If your infant sweats, has damp hair, is restlessness, has heat rash, or has rapid breathing this is the sign that your baby is too hot. The room temperature should be comfortable as an adult room.

Bed Sharing:

Do not share beds with your infant. This puts your infant in risk of SIDS. If you decide to share beds remember not smoke or drink alcohol, because it makes you less alert.

Breastfeeding:

Your infant is at less risk for SIDS if you breastfeed. Breastfeeding could protect your infant of infection.

Smoke free zone: You should not smoke or let anyone smoke around your infant because this could cause SIDS. You should have a free smoke zone.