SIDS Safe Sleep Training & Tips
Osky News
Sudden Infant Death Syndroms (SIDS) is the silent killer of many infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recently released new information on SIDS and sleeping habits for infants. SIDS is the leading cause of death for infants between the age of 1 month and 1 year. The most common time of loss is between 1 and 4 months but babies can die from SIDS up until 1 year of age.
There are many things as a parent that you can do, both before your baby is born and after, to help lower the risk of a SIDS tragedy occurring in your family. During your pregnancy it is important that you take care of yourself and your unborn baby. Do not smoke or expose yourself to second hand smoke from other people. It is also important to refrain from drug or alcohol use, as this can increase the risk of SIDS. Make sure you have prenatal visits with your OB doctor during your pregnancy.
After your baby is born you can do even more things to prevent a SIDS loss. Breastfeeding your baby for at least the first 6 months of their life will help decrease the risk of SIDS. Also, make sure that your baby is up to date on all immunizations and well-baby check-ups.
Where your baby sleeps can have a huge impact on the risk of SIDS. The safest place for your baby to sleep is in your room but NOT in your bed. The baby should have his or her own crib. The crib should be free of any toys, blankets, bumpers, or pillows. Ensure that your baby is placed on their back on a firm mattress in their crib. They should be only in their sleeper, no extra blankets for warmth. Check your baby to make sure they are not getting over-heated, keeping the room cool is a good idea. Also, consider using a pacifier at nap and night time for your baby. The pacifier should not have any attachments to it.
Because most parents can not be with their baby twenty-four hours a day, every day of the week, it is very important that you speak with anyone who will be doing daycare for your child. The risk of SIDS increases when a child is in the care of someone other than their parent. Many times infants who are accustomed to sleeping on their backs at home are placed on their tummies at child care. This is called “unaccustomed tummy sleeping” and increases the risk of a SIDS death. Babies who are used to sleeping on their backs and are then placed on their tummies to sleep are 18 times more likely to die from SIDS. One of the most important things for parents to do is to talk to anyone caring for their child and let them know that your baby should be put to sleep on his/her back, in his/her crib for naps and at night.
For any child care providers or parents wanting more information on SIDS and Safe Sleeping Practices, Healthy Child Iowa (HCI) and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) are offering trainings on SIDS and Safe Sleep in our area this month. The dates and locations are listed below.
Training: Safe Sleep
Training Description: Date: Tuesday, February 18th, 2014
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Place: Mahaska Health Partnership
Cedar Bluff Learning Center (entrance # 3) on MHP Campus.
1229 C Avenue East, Oskaloosa, IA 52577
Training: Safe Sleep
Date: Thursday, February 6th, 2014
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Place: Great Prairie AEA, Ottumwa Office
2814 North Court Street
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Training: Safe Sleep
Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Place: Pekin Child Care Center and Preschool
1062 Birch Avenue
Packwood, IA 52580
Training: Safe Sleep
Date: Tuesday, February 4th, 2014
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Place: Jefferson County ISU Extension Office Building
2606 W. Burlington Avenue
Fairfield, IA 52556
