SIDS - Pregnancy

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SIDS

SIDS or sudden infant death syndrome is the unexpected and inexplicable death of an infant who is less than one year old. SIDS is also known as cot death or crib death, because the baby is often found in his crib or cot when SIDS occurs.

baby sleeping on his back to avoid SIDS

Place your sleeping baby on his back to avoid SIDS

Since the cause of SIDS cannot be explained it is hard to pinpoint exactly why SIDS occurs, however based on studies of several SIDS cases the following risk factors have been identified:

  • Parents, family and friends smoking around the baby or in the rooms where he spends a lot of time
  • Sleeping prone (on their bellies). Always make sure you put a sleeping baby on his back.
  • Genetics. Boys are more susceptible SIDS than girls are.

SIDS is a very scary part of your baby’s first year, parents always worry that it could happen to them. We know there is nothing we can say to make you feel better if you are already worried, but we can offer you a few tips to help you avoid SIDS and sleep better at night.

Avoiding SIDS:

  • Make sure your baby is sleeping in a well-ventilated room
  • Your baby should only sleep on his back
  • Be careful during every week of your pregnancy
  • Wait at least one year between pregnancies
  • If you’re a teenager, try not to have your second baby until you are in your 20s
  • Keep any pillows and large teddy bears out of your baby’s crib to avoid suffocation
  • Don’t overheat your infant by making sure his clothes and the ambient room temperature is appropriate
  • Breastfeed instead of using babyformula
  • Give your baby a pacifier before bed
  • Inform your doctor ASAP if you notice your baby has any breathing problems

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