April 23, 2024

October is SIDS Awareness Month

By Becky Pryor

This photo shows parents placing their baby in a safe sleep environment, in which the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related causes of infant death are low. Baby is sleeping on its back on a firm sleep surface. There are no crib bumpers, pillows, blankets, loose bedding, or toys are in the sleep area. (Submitted Photo)

October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month. SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants between 1 month and 1 year of age.

Approximately 1,500 infants die from SIDS in the United States each year. SIDS most commonly affects babies between ages 1 and 4 months, 90 percent of cases involve infants younger than 6 months.

What is SIDS?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as SIDS is the sudden, unexpected death of a baby younger than 1 year of age that doesn’t have a known cause even after a complete investigation.

Prevention

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics research shows parents and caregivers can take the following actions to help reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death:

• Always place your baby on his or her back for every sleep time.

• Always use a firm sleep surface. Car seats and other sitting devices are not recommended for routine sleep.

• The baby should sleep in the same room as the parents, but not in the same bed (room-sharing without bed-sharing).

• Keep soft objects or loose bedding out of the crib. This includes pillows, blankets, and bumper pads.

• Wedges and positioners should not be used.

• Pregnant woman should receive regular prenatal care.

• Don’t smoke or use illegal drugs during pregnancy or after birth.

• Breastfeeding is recommended.

• Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.

• Avoid covering the infant’s head or overheating.

• Do not use home monitors or commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Infants should receive all recommended vaccinations.

• Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended daily to facilitate development and minimize the occurrence of positional plagiocephaly (flat heads).

Parents as Teachers offers a “Bed Box” to parents who join their program to promote safe sleep. The Jasper County Prevent Child Abuse Agency and Parents As Teachers can be reached by contacting them at 641-831-4531.

Jasper County Health Department recently received a Love Our Kids grant funded by IDPH, Emergency Medical Services division to promote injury prevention. The Maternal Child Health Taskforce continues with educational information on SIDS to parents of all new babies born in Jasper County.