As new parents, all you want is to see your little one secure and healthy. However, there is a newborn condition that can cause extreme anxiety and concern – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Sadly, it can occur with seemingly no warning or reason, which only adds to the fear and heartbreak many parents experience.

What is SIDS?

SIDS, also known as crib death or cot death, occurs when an infant unexpectedly dies while sleeping. SIDS usually occurs without warning during sleep or moments of inactivity.

Typically infants die in their sleep or in their cribs from unrecognized breathing problems, choking, or suffocation. The cause of SIDS is still unclear, so the diagnosis can only be made when no other explanation can be found.

Can SIDS Be Prevented?

Preventing SIDS can be very difficult, as the exact cause of it is still unknown. However, we can greatly reduce the chance of crib deaths by following some simple yet crucial steps.

Place Your Baby On Their Back

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends placing infants on their backs during sleep. This position of your baby’s sleep not only lowers the risk of SIDS, but it also lowers the risk of choking from the airway’s position as well.

In cases where you would like to introduce tummy time, you should do this while awake and under supervision.

During bed-sharing, there is a risk of accidental suffocation. But, with separation from bed-sharing, you can help avoid this risk. Instead, position your baby’s crib or bassinet near your bed for easy access at night.

Keep Your Baby’s Sleep Area Clear

The area where your baby sleeps must stay clear for safety purposes. Soft objects like pillows, comforters, toys, and even crib bumpers can reduce airflow and increase the risk of suffocation.

Remove these from your baby’s sleep area and put them at a safe distance away from the crib bed.

Avoid Overheating Your Baby

Your baby can become overheated if they are wearing too many clothes or are wrapped up too tightly. Overheating can elevate the risk of SIDS, so it’s essential to check if your baby feels too warm by feeling the back of their neck.

Provide Your Baby With a Safe Sleep Environment

To create a safe sleep environment, you should make sure you have an approved crib or bassinet for your baby. Make sure it meets all the safety standards required.

The sleep space should be placed in a convenient location, have a breathable mattress, and should be sturdy enough to avoid any collapses.

Do Not Allow Smoking Around Your Baby

Secondhand smoke exposure can put your baby at risk of SIDS. Make sure that your baby lives in a smoke-free environment both during pregnancy and beyond. Any smoking caregivers should do it outside and away from the baby.

Provide Your Baby with Frequent Check-ups

Taking your baby for regular checkups keeps you informed of any changes in your baby. Regular visits to a pediatrician can ensure that various preventive measures recommended to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) are taken.

Conclusion

Beyond the safety tips mentioned here, strive to educate yourself around SIDS prevention. Many SIDS organizations offer training and resources to help parents navigate their concerns most petrifying of all.

Staying calm, reading helpful materials, and communicating with your medical provider, can help overcome and prevent SIDS from happening to your baby. You can also seek grief counseling if you’ve lost a child to SIDS.