Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is an unexplained cause of death occurring in seemingly healthy infants when they are sleeping. SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants under one year old, and it claims the lives of approximately 2,000 to 3,000 infants each year in the U.S.
“We know that SIDS is the result of some sort of lack of oxygen,” said SIU pediatrician Dr. Tracy Milbrandt
Risk factors for SIDS can help parents be more aware.
- Being male
- Prematurity
- Low birth rate
- Poor prenatal care of the mother
- Mothers younger than 20 years old
- Tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy or following birth
Dr. Milbrandt suggests precautions to protect babies from SIDS.
- Place infants to sleep on their backs
- Put infants to sleep in a baby bed with a firm mattress
- Keep toys and blankets out of the crib to avoid suffocation
- No co-sleeping or bed sharing
- Do not over-clothe the infant
- Keep baby’s crib in the parent’s room until the infant is at least six months old
- Offer the baby a pacifier
If parents are looking for more information about SIDS, she recommends talking to your child’s physician or check the websites listed below.
Hear Dr. Milbrandt talk about SIDS.
Resources: