October is Sleep Safe and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month

Every October, parents, advocates, and caregivers are invited to join Safe to Sleep^® and its partners to encourage safe infant sleep and help raise awareness about SIDS.

Although the rates of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths have decreased over the years, we still have work to do.

More than 1 out of 3 of sudden unexpected infant deaths that occur in the United States each year have been attributed from SIDS. Additionally, recent research also shows that unsafe bedding, such as soft or loose blankets in the baby’s sleep area, remains a leading cause of infant death.

What is SIDS?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death (no warning signs or clear reason why) of a baby younger than 1 year.

About 2,300 babies in the United States die of SIDS each year. SIDS has been found to be more likely to affect babies that are between 1 and 4 months old. It is more common in boys than girls, and most deaths occur during the fall, winter, and early spring vs. summer months.

How to prevent SIDS

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent SIDS, there are several tips that caregivers can adopt to reduce the baby’s risk of SIDS.

These include:

• Putting the baby to sleep on their back
  • The risk of SIDS is much higher anytime a baby sleeps on their side or stomach.
  • When a baby who usually sleeps on their back is suddenly laid on their stomach to sleep, the risk of SIDS is also much higher.
  • Once the baby can roll over both ways, they may not stay on their back as they sleep. At this stage, usually around 6 months of age, it is fine to let them choose their own sleep positions.
• Using a firm sleep surface and keeping any fluffy blankets or stuffed animals out of the crib.
  • Try to avoid allowing the baby to sleep on beds, sofas, baby swings, in their car seat or stroller, etc.
  • Soft bedding can block a baby’s airway during sleep. A firm mattress covered with a tight-fitting crib sheet is all your need.
• Don’t allow anyone to smoke around the baby.
  • It has been found that babies born to women who smoked during pregnancy are 3 times more likely to die from SIDS. Also, secondhand smoke around your infant increases the chances of SIDS.
• Breastfeeding when possible
  • Although experts aren’t exactly sure why, breastfeeding can lower the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%. If breastfeeding isn’t an option, the simple touch of skin-to-skin contact has been proven beneficial too.
• Consider using a pacifier
  • Putting a pacifier in the baby’s mouth as they lay down to sleep may also prevent SIDS.
• Keep the baby from overheating as they sleep
  • Dress the infant in light, comfortable clothes for sleeping and keep the room temperature at a level an adult would find comfortable.
  • If you are worried about the baby staying warm, it is ok to dress in onesie pajamas that covers their arms, legs, hands, and feet. A sleep sack or wearable blanket is also acceptable. However, it is best to avoid a regular blanket that the baby can get tangled in or pull over their face.

Still have questions?

The staff at Home Hazard Prevention is available to set-up a complete safety assessment of your home, not only assessing current safe sleep needs, but also expanding to help you implement as many layers of safety in your home to prevent future accidents or injuries. Whether you are interested in baby or child proofing suggestions, fire hazards, or wanting to get your family trained in lifesaving CPR, AED, and First Aid skills, Home Hazard Prevention is happy to help!

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‘Safety Nick’, as he is affectionately known, is the owner and operator of Home Hazard Prevention, LLC (HHP). In 2012, HHP was launched.  With the support of his wonderful (and understanding!) wife and two beautiful children, Nick works tireless hours, not only to help save your family’s lives, as a firefighter and a community safety expert, but also to be able to spend quality time with his family.  Nick moved to Arizona over 20 years ago and enjoys exploring our great state with his family.

Be sure to contact Home Hazard Prevention for any of your family or business safety needs. From mobile CPR training to car seat education to infant safety (and much more!) HHP is here to help! Remember, a complete safety program does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. There is no one more qualified than a group of professional firefighters to keep your family safe! (480) 448-0266 or Nick@HomeHazardPrevention.com

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