Are You Fearful of Sids?
Understanding SIDS and Tips to Keep Baby Safe!
New moms and dads all worry about SIDS. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the horrific occurrence of baby’s that seemingly fall asleep and die for no apparent reason. Although much research has gone into the phenomena the bottom line is that the medical community still does not know what causes SIDS. It has essentially been described as an apnea of sorts, where the infant’s respiratory and brain function are just so immature that they “forget” to breathe. It is unavoidable and presents in perfectly healthy babies. SIDS is no one’s fault.
SIDS is frightening for parents, but there are some proactive measures that parents should take to lessen the chances. Most babies’s who die from SIDS were put to sleep on their bellies. Back sleeping is highly recommended. Using positioners to ensure they don’t roll over and smother themselves is also a good idea. The positioners are inexpensive and make it impossible for a baby to roll over.
It is also advised to keep the crib or sleeping area free of pillows, heavy blankets, stuffed animals, bumper pads or any other object that can be pulled over their face. Keep in mind that unintentionally a newborn’s finger can catch an afghan and pull it over their face and that they will be unable to remove it in time.
Another hint to preventing SIDS is to dress your baby comfortably. Don’t overdress him or her and keep the room temperature moderate. Keeping the room too warm or over bundling the baby can easily cause overheating which contributes to SIDS. Dress the baby in no more than two layers at night and never put them in clothes that can become twisted or entangled. A onesie, socks and a cap should be sufficient. If you must put your baby on a pillow, use one that is approved for cribs and that is more of a wedge than a cushioned pillow.
Prohibit people from smoking around your baby and ensure that your home is free of mold and mildew. Don’t spray Lysol or other aerosols in a room without airing it out before your baby enters. These can be too much on their immature respiratory systems.
While SIDS is most common in babies that are between 0 – 5 months, it can occur up to a year old. The older your baby gets the less you will be able to restrict their sleeping habits. It is a good idea to keep the crib in your bedroom and use baby monitors to constantly keep a check on your baby. Even if you use a baby monitor, it is necessary to make room checks and adjust pillows or blankets as necessary.
Another useful suggestion if you are overly fearful is to invest in the SIDS alarms that fit underneath your baby while they sleep. These alarms monitor breathing, heart rate and body temperature while your baby sleeps (without wires) and will sound if there is a suspected problem.
While SIDS is unavoidable, the only identifiable risk factors to date have been babies born to young parents, to mothers who smoked during pregnancy and to premature delivery. Even so, the odds are in your favor. Although SIDS has received national recognition, the chances are not high that your baby will be a victim. If you take a common sense and proactive approach to how your baby sleeps and commit to checking on them often, your baby will be just fine. SIDS is just one of the things that parents worry about and you should remain level headed when it comes to risks and risk factors. Your job is to provide a loving and safe environment for your child and part of that environment is built upon your emotional wellbeing. While it is normal for you to have anxiety, if you feel your stress is unwarranted, you should talk with your pediatrician. Chances are you will feel better in no time.
