We’ve all heard that it’s best for babies to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS.
Yet each year, more than 2,000 babies die of SIDS, a number that can be markedly reduced if parents and care givers know the ABC’s of safe sleep: Place babies alone, on their back and in a crib for every sleep time.
Some interesting facts about SIDS:
- Can occur in infants under 1 year of age. 91% of SIDS deaths occur before the 6 month birthday, with the greatest number, 85% taking place between 2 and 4 months of age.
- About one in five sudden infant syndrome (SIDS) deaths occur while an infant is being cared for by someone other than a parent. Many of these deaths occur when infants who are used to sleeping on their backs at home are then placed to sleep on their tummies by another caregiver.
- Babies who sleep on their stomachs have a 5-times greater risk for SIDS.
- Babies put on their stomachs to sleep who usually sleep on their backs have as much as an 18-times greater risk for SIDS.
- Mothers who smoke during pregnancy have a 3-times greater risk of their child dying from SIDS.
- Babies who breathe secondhand smoke have a 2.5-times greater risk of dying from SIDS.
The SIDS Network of Kansas, Inc. has great resources for new and expecting parents including videos and checklists to make sure baby is safe when sleeping.
With a little education, parents can help ensure a healthy, happy start to their infant’s life.
