North Central Health District

October is SIDS Awareness Month

Posted October 2, 2015 by NCHD Admin

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), about 4,000 infants die suddenly and unexpectedly each year in the United States. These deaths are called sudden infant deaths and autopsies alone cannot explain these deaths without investigating the scene and reviewing the infant’s medical history.

Sudden infant death syndrome can occur with any infant, but researchers have identified several factors that could increase a baby’s risk of experiencing SIDS. These factors include:

 

• Sex- Boys are more likely than girls to die of SIDS.
• Age- Infants ages 2 to 3 months are more vulnerable to SIDS.
• Race- For reasons that are unclear, African American, American Indian and Eskimo infants are more are more at risk of developing SIDS.
• Family history- Infants with a family history of SIDS related deaths is at a higher risk of dying from SIDS.
• Secondhand smoke- Infants who are exposed or live with family members who smoke have a higher risk of SIDS.
• Being premature- There is an increased chance of SIDS if a baby was born early or was born with a low birth weight.

 

Reducing the Risk

Although health care providers and researchers cannot identify the exact causes of SIDS, they have identified methods to help reduce the risk of SIDS. These methods include:

• Always placing babies on their backs every time they sleep.
• Use a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib, covered by a fitted sheet.
• Allow babies to share your room, not your bed. Babies should not sleep in an adult bed, alone, on a couch, on a chair, or with anyone else.
• Keep soft objects such as pillows and loose bedding away from an infant’s sleeping area.
• Prevent exposure to smoking during pregnancy and after birth to decrease the chances of developing SIDS.

For more information on SIDS and SIDS related deaths, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/sids/