RISK FACTORS

Although researchers still have no clear answer why some babies stop breathing while sleeping, they know three factors commonly combine to put them at risk for sudden infant death syndrome:

1. Babies are typically 2 to 4 months old -- in a growth stage where numerous neurological changes are taking place.

2. They have vulnerabilities from birth, such as low weight, prematurity or undetected brain stem abnormalities.

3. They are put in an unsafe sleep position or environment, such as on their abdomens or in unsafe bedding. 

 

TIPS

• Follow the ABC's of safe sleep: Babies should sleep Alone, on their Backs and in a Crib at nap and bedtime.

• Never use a car seat or baby swing for nap or bedtime. 

• Never put a baby on an adult bed, couch, futon, sheepskin or pile carpet.

• Cribs should be free of pillows, bumper pads, quilts or other plush material. Do not use sleep positioners. 

• Crib mattresses should be firm and tight-fitting. If you can fit two fingers between the mattress and the side of the crib, the mattress is too small.

• Consider using a sleep sack or footed sleeper.

• Do not let your baby get too hot.

• Do not expose babies to smoke, either in the womb or in their environment.

• Consider using a pacifier during sleep and having a fan or ceiling fan where the baby sleeps.

• Do not mistake the ability to lift and turn the head as a sign that a baby is no longer at risk. Babies should still be put to sleep on their backs after this milestone occurs.

• When an infant begins to roll during sleep, consider repositioning onto the back for the first week. Research indicates babies are more vulnerable to SIDS the week after they first roll onto their abdomens. The risk decreases in the following weeks.

 

WHEN SEEKING CARE

Infants who succumb to SIDS or suffocation often die within the first days or weeks of going into child or nanny care. To limit the risks: 

• Make sure caregivers have a safe sleep policy, and always discuss safe sleep before enrolling a child with a provider. Insist on back-to-sleep, and put all sleep safety expectations in writing. Stress that there will be no exceptions.

• Make sure the caregiver has safe sleep training and is current on all sleep safety recommendations. 

• Ask the caregiver to take you to the crib or portable crib where the baby will always nap, and inspect it and its surroundings for safety factors listed above. If other infants are present, see whether the provider is using safe sleep practices.

• Make sure the provider has a standard routine for repeatedly monitoring infants during nap time.

• Make unannounced visits during nap time to ensure safe sleep is being practiced.

 

For more information or to schedule a presentation for parents or child care providers about safe sleep, call SIDS Resources of Missouri at 314-822-2323, or go to www.sidsresources.org.