Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: What Every Parent Needs to Know About SIDs by Sophia L. Thomas, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP
Having a newborn can be exciting, but with every new bundle comes worry, and for some parents, the threat of SIDs (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is enough to keep them up at night. Every year, 3,500 infants die from SIDs in the U.S., and the inexplicability of the devastation rightfully has parents worried. While SIDs is neither predictable nor preventable, there are things parents can do to lower their baby’s risk:
- Back to sleep, always. Back sleeping has reduced the incidence of SIDs by 50 percent.
- Go smoke-free. Secondhand smoke increases risk.
- Don’t co-sleep. Sharing a room reduces SIDs risk, but sharing a bed increases it.
- Don’t over-bundle. Overheating has been linked to SIDs.
- Skip the blankets. Loose bedding is a suffocation risk.
Of all the precautions, putting your baby to sleep on his or her back is the single most important thing parents can do to prevent SIDs, so be sure babysitters, grandparents and other caregivers understand the importance, even for naps! To learn more visit WeChooseNPs.org.
The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.
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