Sudden infant death syndrome also known as SIDS is unexplained death in  babies younger than a year old. SIDS can happen without warning in healthy babies. Most cases occur in infants between the ages of 4 to 6 months.
 

 

What causes SIDS ?

 
The exact cause is unknown however they are certain factors that put some babies at risk of SIDS more than others. These babies are at higher risk of SIDS .

• sleeps on a soft surface, bedding or pillow
• sleeps on her tummy or side
• bed sharing that is share a bed with someone else
• sleep in a room  that is too hot or wear so many clothes to sleep

 
Other risk factors include :

• being a boy
• is black or Native American
• premature or low birth weight babies
• parents smoke, drink alcohol or use illegal drugs

What can you do to reduce your baby’s risk for SIDS ?

These tips can help reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS .

• let your baby sleep on a firm sleep surface
• baby should sleep on  his back every night during sleeps and naps. However if your baby is able to roll from her back to her tummy and from her  tummy to her back on her own, she can be left in that position
• place your baby in the same room as you but not on the same bed
• don’t overdress your baby or let your baby get too hot. Make sure the baby’s room is at a comfortable temperature
• offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime
• breastfeed your baby as much and as long as you can. According to the American Academy of pediatrics, breastfeeding your baby reduces his risk of SIDS
• schedule and take your child for her wellness visits
• keep babies away from smokers and places where people smoke
• keep soft items and loose beddings  out of the crib. Items such as stuffed animals, toys, blankets and pillows may suffocate the baby

 
Expectant mothers may do the following :

• Do not use alcohol, smoke or use drugs during pregnancy.
• go for regular prenatal checkups

 
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