ABOUT SIDS

What is SIDS ?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under one year of age that is only determined after the completion of an autopsy, a death scene investigation, and a review of the case history.

SIDS, sometimes known as crib death, is the major cause of death in babies from birth to one year of age.

In the United States, SIDS takes the lives of thousands of babies every year.

Hundreds of babies die of SIDS each year in California.

Important facts about SIDS.

Most SIDS deaths happen by 6 months of age. Slightly more boys than girls are victims, and most deaths occur during the fall, winter and early spring months. The death is sudden and unpredictable; in most cases the baby seems healthy. death occurs quickly during sleep.

After more than 30 years of research, scientist still cannot find the definite cause or causes for SIDS. There is no way to predict or prevent SIDS.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF SIDS

Place your baby on their back to sleep.
One of the most important things you can do to help reduce the risk of SIDS is to place your baby on his or her back to sleep. Do this when the baby is put down for a nap or to bed for the night.
Babies that roll over on their own should not be forced to stay on their back.
Babies should be placed in a variety of positions while awake.

Smoke-free

Create a smoke-free zone around your baby. Avoid smoking when you are pregnant and after your baby is born. Babies exposed to smoke have an increased risk of SIDS. In addition, babies and young children have more colds and other diseases when around smoke.

Bedding

Make sure your baby sleeps on a firm mattress or other firm surface. Do not use fluffly blankets or comforters under the baby or put your baby to sleep on a waterbed, sheepskin, a pillow or other soft materials. Remove stuffed toys, bumper pads and pillows from the crib.

Temperature

Babies should be kept warm, not hot. Dress your baby with the same amount of clothing that you are wearing. Keep the temperance in your baby's room so that it feels comfortable to you.

Medical care
A good start for any baby is for mothers to recieve early and regular prenatal care. It is also important to your baby's well being no to use any alcohol or drugs while preganat. Your baby needs regular check-ups and immunizations. If your baby seem sick, call your doctor or clinic right away.

Breastfeeding

You should breastfeed your baby, it's the best choice. Breast milk helps to keep your baby healthy. Studies have shown that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of SIDS.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR OR NURSE

Babies should sleep on their back. Some mothers worry that babies sleeping on their back may choke on spit-up or vomit during their sleep. There is no evidence that sleeping on the back causes choking and in fact, there has been no increase in choking incidents since the recommendation to place babies on their back to sleep. Millions of babies around the world now sleep on their back. A few babies have health conditions that might require them to sleep on their tummy....let your pediatrician or health care professional be your guide here.

Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have questions about your baby's sleep position or health.

Your doctor or nurse can also answer your questions about reducing the risk of SIDS.

Enjoy your baby!
Remember, most babies are born healthy and most stay that way. Don't let the fear of SIDS spoil your enjoyment of having a new baby.

We dedicate our work and project in the loving memory of Layla Reiter Scott,
and all of the babies who have died from SIDS.

For more information about SIDS or to make a Donation please contact:

GAYLA REITER
Gayla@Gaylareiter.com
P.O. Box 2314
Benicia, CA. 94510
707-745-0105

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