In the U.S. over 3,000 babies die unexpectedly each year.

I’m sure you might find it hard to rest after reading that.

Let’s talk about the causes, SIDS and what you can do to reduce the risk and help yourself relax to get a good night of sleep.

What is SIDS?

SIDS (Sudden infant death syndrome) is the unexpected, accidental death of a baby.

What are the causes?

There are many factors that increase the risk of accidental deaths

Unsafe sleep practices are a major cause:

-Allowing baby to sleep in swings, strollers, pillows and sleep positioners. These products can cause a baby’s head to fall forward, cutting off their air supply.

-Tummy sleep. Babies who are placed on their tummy to sleep are at risk for suffocation if they aren’t able to move to a different position. It also puts them at risk for breathing in their own exhaled air. This can cause oxygen levels to drop.

-Placing baby in a crib or bed with toys and blankets. This puts baby at risk for strangulation and entrapment.

Other risk factors that may be in your control:

-Exposing babies to secondhand smoke

-Overheating. This is a common mistake we make. Always dress baby as you dress yourself.

What steps can you take to prevent the risk of SIDS?

Follow safe sleep guideline

Place baby on back. Even if baby knows how to roll from back to tummy and tummy to back, always place baby on their back. If baby rolls to their tummy and they know how to roll back and forth, it is okay to leave baby on tummy. 

Use a firm mattress. Make sure it fits the crib properly, no spaces between the mattress and crib. This puts baby at risk for entrapment.

Nothing else in crib. No blankets, pillows, toys or bumpers should be in crib with baby. Just baby in a swaddle or sleep sack and a paci.

Room sharing. Room sharing (not to be confused with bed sharing) is recommended for the first 6 months of life. This allows parents to be more aware and responsive to baby.

Some other things to keep in mind regarding safe sleep

-Using a pacifier may reduce the risk of SIDS

-Products on the market such as sleep positioners and heart monitoring systems will not reduce the risk of SIDS

-Using a fan to circulate the air or an air purifier in the nursery may help reduce the risk of SIDS

-Once baby begins to show signs of rolling over its no longer safe to swaddle

You’ll find it easier to relax and sleep at night when you know your baby is safe.