Understanding SIDS: Prevention Tips And Why Rates Are Higher In The U.S.

How To Help Prevent SIDS

Although there is no fool-proof way to prevent SIDS, parents can take certain precautions to try to prevent their child from falling victim to this disorder. As the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends, one of the most significant way to prevent SIDS is to place an infant to sleep on their back, as a baby’s risk of SIDS can increase by two to thirteen percent when they sleep on their stomach rather than back. When a baby is placed face down to sleep, they are likely to overheat, have pauses when breathing, and rebreathe the air they just exhaled. New parents should also try to avoid overdressing their infant when they sleep.

Other Tips To Prevent SIDS

Other preventative measures include choosing a safe crib, bassinet, or play yard, and properly baby-proofing these areas. Removing pillows or stuffed animals from the crib as they are a suffocation hazard, and choosing a firm and flat mattress for an infant to sleep on are two proven ways to reduce the risk. Sleeping in the same room, but not the same bed as the infant is recommended to prevent suffocation, strangulation, and entrapment. Do not allow the baby to fall asleep on plush surfaces, be wary of any products claiming to reduce SIDS, and do not allow an infant to sleep in positions that may affect their breathing. Other recommendations include receiving regular prenatal care, avoid drinking, smoking or drug use during pregnancy, and try to breastfeed if possible.