SIDS: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

SIDS is characterized by the sudden death of an infant under the age of one year, which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation has been completed. As reported by the SIDS Alliance in cooperation with the National SIDS & Infant Death Program Support Center, 77 out of every 100,000 babies born in the United States die from SIDS.

SIDS is a fear that many new parents and child care providers are faced with when caring for infants. The fact that there is no proven cause and that it is unpredictable adds to this fear. Health care providers, SIDS advocates and child care centers are taking steps to educate the public on the facts as they are made public. These facts change regularly. If you are interested in receiving up to date information, visit the SIDS Alliance at www.sidsalliance.org. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has modified their requirements to include steps for infant providers to create a safe sleeping environment by closely moniting babies when sleeping, placing babies on their backs to sleep and eliminating all soft items in cribs.

There are a few guidelines for risk reduction that parents and providers can implement to work together to create a safer environment for the babies in their care.

1. Always place babies on their backs to sleep.
2. Place baby to sleep on a firm mattress.
3. Do not let your baby sleep in your bed, chair, couch or any other place other than a crib or bassinet.
4. Cribs should be clear of pillows, comforters, cloth bumper pads, stuffed animals, blankets, and other soft items.
5. Keep the nursery at a comfortable temperature. Do not allow the child to become overheated.
6. Maintain a smoke free environment at all times.