It is any parent's worst nightmare. This one devastating condition can bring so much fear and anxiety to parents around the world. It is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the diagnosis for the sudden death of an infant under one year of age that remains unexplained after a complete investigation. It is the leading cause of death in infants between one month and one year of age. African American babies are at a higher risk than Caucasian babies, and more boys are victims than girls.

Some of the risk factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are:

*Babies who sleep on the stomach rather than their back are more likely to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

*Mothers that smoke during pregnancy are three times more likely to have a baby die of it. Also, babies exposed to tobacco smoke have been shown to have a higher risk.

*Mothers who are under the age of 20 for their first pregnancy have a higher risk of their baby dying of it.

*Low birth weight or premature babies are at higher risk.

No one knows for sure what causes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Some scientists believe that these babies are born with an abnormality in the brain stem that controls breathing and waking during sleep. The abnormalities could come from toxic substances during pregnancy, such as tobacco smoke. This can reduce the amount of oxygen the fetus receives. These scientists also believe that this abnormality alone is not enough to cause death.

Other factors involved must trigger a death, such as respiratory infections and breathing excess carbon monoxide trapped in bedding when sleeping on their stomachs. A normal infant's brain would trigger the baby to wake and begin to cry, causing its breathing pattern back to normal. A baby with a flawed brain stem, however, might lack this protective mechanism and succumb to this horrible condition.

What Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Is:

*The major cause of death in infants from one month to one year of age, with most deaths occurring between 2 and 4 months
*Silent and sudden - the infant seems healthy before death
*Unpredictable and unpreventable
*An infant death that leaves intense grief for parents and family

What Sudden Infant Death Is Not:

*Caused by vomiting and choking
*Caused by minor illnesses such as colds or infections
*Contagious
*Child abuse
*The cause of every unexpected death of an infant

8 Ways To Reduce The Risk:

1) Get early prenatal care, including frequent doctor visits and healthy nutrition. Don't use drugs or alcohol.

2) Use a firm mattress in the crib or bassinet. Do not put fluffy blankets, comforters, or sheepskin under or over the baby. Remove stuffed toys or pillows from the crib.

3) Always put your baby to sleep on his back.

4) Avoid too much heat in the baby's room. Adjust the temperature to what is comfortable for you, and don't overdress your baby at nighttime.

5) Take your baby to the doctor for scheduled well-baby visits and immunizations.

6) Never smoke around your baby or allow anyone else to smoke around your baby.

7) Breastfeed your baby, if possible, to get him off on a strong, healthy start.

8) Encourage your baby to have plenty of tummy time. This helps strengthen neck, arm, and shoulder muscles.

Ways to Reduce SIDS


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