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Did Your Newborn Suffer Cerebral
Palsy or Another Brain Injury Before
or During Labor and Delivery?
Get a FREE guide of resources available throughout Ohio to children and families of children who were born with brain injuries.
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now and in the future.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS is a scary thought for most expectant mothers and new parents. SIDS is diagnosed when a baby dies for no other apparent reason. This condition has been around for many years, but you may not hear of it as often today. If you’re wondering if SIDS still happens or if you should be concerned, the short answer is “yes, but not as often.” While this can give you some reassurance, you’re probably still worried about how it could affect your newborn.
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Doctors haven’t been able to pinpoint exactly what causes the condition in an otherwise apparently healthy baby. They believe it may have something to do with the part of the brain that controls the baby’s breathing.
Also known as crib death, SIDS can happen to a baby with no known health problems. It’s a silent killer because there is no indication that something is wrong until the infant is found. It happens in both boys and girls and is the number one cause of death for babies over one month and under one year. Most cases occur before the baby is four months old with 90 percent occurring before the six-month milestone, according to the National Institutes of Health.
The number of deaths caused by SIDS have declined since the mid-1990s. However, some ethnic groups still have higher rates.
Even though it’s impossible to predict who will develop SIDS, doctors have identified some factors that could increase the risk. A smaller baby is at a greater risk than a baby with a higher birth weight. A mother who smokes during pregnancy or during the first year can also increase the risk for SIDS. Lack of prenatal care may also factor in.
Even without those factors, an infant may still be at risk. Doctors can’t say definitely what causes the condition.
While you can’t guarantee your baby’s safety, there are several things you can do to reduce the risk. Put the baby to sleep on their back on a firm surface with no blankets or pillows. This is the number one thing to focus on to increase your baby’s safety because it makes it easier for them to breathe. Don’t sleep with your baby, because it could hinder their ability to breathe if they roll into you.
According to researchers, using a pacifier and breastfeeding can reduce the risk for SIDS. It’s also important to vaccinate. Don’t put too many clothes on them for sleeping. It’s better for them to stay cool for naps and at nighttime. A sleep sack or full gown is best with nothing around the face.
Make sure your family and friends smoke outside and not in the house or anywhere near your baby. When a baby breathes in secondhand smoke, it increases their risk for SIDS.
Follow these steps and be aware that the risk for SIDS is still relevant. Keep your baby as safe and healthy as you can. Since the number of deaths have declined, these precautions are helping to save babies’ lives.
Doctors haven’t been able to pinpoint exactly what causes the condition in an otherwise apparently healthy baby. They believe it may have something to do with the part of the brain that controls the baby’s breathing.
Also known as crib death, SIDS can happen to a baby with no known health problems. It’s a silent killer because there is no indication that something is wrong until the infant is found. It happens in both boys and girls and is the number one cause of death for babies over one month and under one year. Most cases occur before the baby is four months old with 90 percent occurring before the six-month milestone, according to the National Institutes of Health.
The number of deaths caused by SIDS have declined since the mid-1990s. However, some ethnic groups still have higher rates.
Even though it’s impossible to predict who will develop SIDS, doctors have identified some factors that could increase the risk. A smaller baby is at a greater risk than a baby with a higher birth weight. A mother who smokes during pregnancy or during the first year can also increase the risk for SIDS. Lack of prenatal care may also factor in.
Even without those factors, an infant may still be at risk. Doctors can’t say definitely what causes the condition.
While you can’t guarantee your baby’s safety, there are several things you can do to reduce the risk. Put the baby to sleep on their back on a firm surface with no blankets or pillows. This is the number one thing to focus on to increase your baby’s safety because it makes it easier for them to breathe. Don’t sleep with your baby, because it could hinder their ability to breathe if they roll into you.
According to researchers, using a pacifier and breastfeeding can reduce the risk for SIDS. It’s also important to vaccinate. Don’t put too many clothes on them for sleeping. It’s better for them to stay cool for naps and at nighttime. A sleep sack or full gown is best with nothing around the face.
Make sure your family and friends smoke outside and not in the house or anywhere near your baby. When a baby breathes in secondhand smoke, it increases their risk for SIDS.
Follow these steps and be aware that the risk for SIDS is still relevant. Keep your baby as safe and healthy as you can. Since the number of deaths have declined, these precautions are helping to save babies’ lives.