Last week we discussed what Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is, risk factors, causes, etc.
This week we wanted to give you some ways to prevent SIDS from happening. Unfortunately, there is no definitive way to 100% prevent SIDS from occurring, but these simple steps will help reduce the chances. Take a look at these helpful tips from Happiest Baby.
15 Ways to Help Prevent SIDS
Only let your baby sleep on the back.
Breastfeed if you can: This cuts SIDS by 50%.
Have a smoke-free house: Don’t smoke or allow others to do so. Avoid wood stoves, incense, scented candles, and fireplaces, unless the room is well vented.
Avoid overheating or over-cooling: Keep the room between 68°F to 72°F (20–22.2°C), and avoid overdressing. Your baby’s ears should feel slightly warm, not cold or hot.
Use snug swaddling for all naps/nights to help reduce the risk of SIDS.
Offer a pacifier at bedtime (if you’re breastfeeding, wait a couple of weeks until the nursing is well established before giving a paci).
Don’t sleep with your baby in your bed for at least the first 9 months.
Never let him sleep on a couch, recliner, sofa, armchair, rockers, mommaroos, beanbag chair or waterbed.
Remove pillows, toys, bumpers, and thick or loose bedding that could cause smothering, like duvets, pillows, bumpers, stuffed animals, sleep positioners, lambskins.
No thick blankets under the baby, either.
Practice tummy time to help your baby develop strong muscles to move his face away from choking risks.
Don’t let your baby sleep sitting up in a car seat, infant carrier, or inclined swing (especially if she’s premature or developmentally delayed).
Sleep in the same room as your baby for the first 6 months, with the baby in a bassinet or SNOO Smart Sleeper right near you.
Make sure your baby has received all their immunizations.
Avoid cribs with missing slats, net siding, or a space between the mattress and the side wall where your baby’s head might get trapped.
As always- like, comment, and share!
Jeri Ford, RN, BSN, CPN