How To Prevent SIDS

How To Prevent SIDS; Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, is an unexplained death of an infant under 1 year. It usually occurs during sleep and is most likely to occur between 2-4 months.

First, I am going to state my disclaimer in regards to this post about How To Prevent SIDS.  This information is based on my research, education and experience.  It may not be complete and is as recent as I am aware.  Please be sure to do your own research.

How To Prevent SIDS; Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, is an unexplained death of an infant under 1 year.

It usually occurs during sleep and is most likely to occur between 2-4 months.

SIDS rates have decreased significantly over the last 10 years, due to research and education.  

While there have been multiple thoughts about SIDS over the years, my research in regards to how to prevent SIDS is worth some consideration for any parent of an infant. 

 

How To Prevent SIDS

Recently it has been found that a few simple changes to your baby’s sleep habits and environments can help prevent sudden infant death (SIDS) from occurring.

Below I will tell you about the most common ways to prevent SIDS.

 

Don’t Smoke

It has been proven that infants (before and after birth) exposed to second, or even third hand smoke are more likely to die of SIDS.

If you are having trouble quitting smoking, DO NOT smoke around your children or while pregnant.

Wear a smoking jacket, outside only, wash your hands, even shower.

It’s that important. 

 

Breastfeed

We all know the many benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby.

You can add this to the list of how to prevent SIDS.

I am not going to get on a rant here, as I truly believe that mental sanity is more important than breastfeeding, but if you are struggling, do your research ask for help, do your best.

Breastfeeding is not easy at first, but does get easier and is absolutely worth the effort.

 

Back to Sleep

Most new mothers know that babies should sleep on their backs.

This has been shown to make a huge difference in sudden infant death prevention.

No wedges, side sleeping, etc.

Healthy babies who spit up will not choke on their spit up.

Be sure to help your baby spend time on their tummy when awake to play.

 

Avoid Loose Linen

The easiest way I have found to do this is by using a sleepsac.

This will keep the baby warm, without any chance of covering the baby’s face as they move in their sleep.

You can also place the baby in the crib with their feet touching one end, tuck the blanket under that end and sides of the mattress with the blanket no higher than their nipple line.

This will also help to ensure the blanket does not restrict air flow.

Use a thin, breathable (ie. cotton) blanket. (see image below).

 

NO BUMPER PADS

It shocks me that stores still sell baby bedding with bumper pads.

Bedding with bumper pads is an absolutely incredible waste of money.

It has been proven that bumper pads restrict airflow and MUST NOT BE USED, especially for a child under one year old.

Additionally, DO NOT place stuffed animals or other loose blankets in the bed.

Only the baby in the bed. There are some new products on the market that wrap the rails individually.

I have not personally reviewed these types of products, but I have read good things.

 

Co-sleep, But Not Necessarily Bed Share

Co-sleeping does not always involve having the infant in the bed with the parents.

This is not recommended to prevent SIDS, but if you choose to do it, you must do it safely.

A side car crib, or bassinet in the same room as the parents is recommended as the safest sleep space for infants.  

We even have some great tips for how to safely co-sleep that might be of interest. 

 

I always thought of SIDS only occurring at night. This is not the case

Every Sleep Matters.

Infants have died from napping on a couch at grandma’s, or being surrounded by pillows on aunties bed.

My recommendation is to lay a dream blanket on the floor of a safe room and nap the child there if you have no crib, playpen or bassinet. 

 

DO NOT Overdress Baby

Overheating is another critical link researchers found to be related to SIDS.

Babies must wear what you are wearing, plus one.

An undershirt and a sleeper is, in most instances, what they need, with a sleepsac in cooler months.

To ensure the baby is not overheated it is important that no hats or undershirts be used in summer or warmer months.

An oscillating electric fan will increase airflow and improve ventilation in the babies room.

 

Use A Firm Mattress, That Fits Properly In Your Crib

I am all for second and third-hand baby products, but you must ensure the mattress is appropriate and safe if bought used and the correct size for your crib if bought new.

If you are not using a crib, the surface must be firm and flat.

 

Encourage Soother Use

For every article that encourages soother use, you find one discouraging it.

I am all for soothers. However, I have only been successful in getting 2/5 of my children to use one.

There is a strong link to using a soother and preventing SIDS.

So this understanding is a strong reason I encourage them, especially before 6 months.

 

Car Seats and Swings Are Not Appropriate For Sleeping

Now read on for my favorite rant.

It drives me nuts to watch parents take their babies for a walk in their car seat attached to the stroller.

Car seats do not provide the appropriate positioning of infants for an extended period.

So take a look at how your baby is positioned, it is not comfortable to sleep like that?

 

Safe Sleep

Laying flat when out for a walk, or when sleeping is recommended by occupational and physical therapists, as well as pediatricians.

Conversely, the positioning in a car seat or swing is more likely to lead to SIDS and is therefore only recommended for short time periods.

Finally, my personal recommendation is the Baby Jogger City Select with a Bassinet. 

I have used it for my last 4 kids who were very close in age and Baby Jogger is excellent. 

Safe Sleep Laying flat when out for a walk, or when sleeping is recommended by occupational and physical therapists, as well as pediatricians.

Photo thanks to: http://nefhealthystart.org/for-babies/safe-sleep/

Finally, SIDS is a concern for every parent.

There are some simple tips for how to prevent SIDS when you think about how your child is sleeping and what you expose them to.  

In conclusion, sharing these insights regarding sudden infant death is an important method to help communicate that SIDS can be prevented in many instances.

When checking my facts I consulted:

SIDS Canada

Public Health Agency Of Canada

These tips for how to prevent SIDS are a great resource to help new parents keep their infant safe.

How To Prevent SIDS. Did I miss anything? So Do you have any thoughts on this post? I would love to hear them.

Additional Reading; Having a Baby on a Budget; What a Baby Really Needs, The True Journey of Natural Labour and Birth and How to Get More Sleep with a Baby.

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