How to Protect Your Baby From SIDS

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS refers to a sudden unexplained death of healthy infants, usually younger than one year old. In most cases, SIDS occurs during an infant’s sleep. In a resaerch study of 2017, it is found out that there are 36 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome cases in every 100,000 live births. Newborn and infant babies are still very vulnerable. It is important for parents to eliminate whatever risk factors there is that might lead to SIDS. In this article, let’s find out how we can save our babies from this deadly nightmare.

Possible Affecting Factors of SIDS

Although up uptil this moment, doctors, experts and researchers still haven’t found any concrete reason for SIDS, studies have found out several factors that might have affected and contributed to it.

•Breathing Difficulty

It is remarkably shown that babies who are premature, has respiratory issues, or has brain defect are more likely prone to SIDS. When I say brain defect, this refers to those babies who has a part of their brain that is still not fully developed. It could be the part that controls breathing. It is also found out that some babies who died of SIDS previously suffered from respiratory infections and colds. That is why when baby is sick, it is very important to double our attention to them.

•Environmental Factors

Since most cases of SIDS occur during sleep, let us focus on baby’s sleeping environment. It could be that in his sleep, he on his side or tummy position. Put your baby in that position only when you have your full attention to him. As much as possible, keep him on his back. Stuffy crib could also be a risk factor. As much as possible, clear the crib from all unnecessary things. His crib or bed mattress might be too soft that when he sleeps on it face down, it could block his airways.

How to Save Your Baby from SIDS

•Make sure to pay attention to baby while sleeping. As much as possible, keep him on his back. Avoid lying him on side or on his tummy especially of you are not on a watch.

•Don’t put anything near him that might block airways. Pillows, blankets and stuffed toys should be kept away when baby is sleeping.

•Be watchful when baby is sleeping near siblings, any family member or pets.

•Sleep on the same room with your baby so every now and then, you could check on him.

•Use sleeping sack or any other sleeping clothes to keep him warm instead of layering him with blanket to keep him warm.

•Study shows that breastfed babies (for at least 6 months) lowers the risk of SIDS.

•When pregnant, make sure to attend into your prenatal consultations and take it seriously so your baby is well taken cared of even when he’s still inside you.

•Avoid smoking and drugs when pregnant. It might affect baby’s development and health.

•It is recognized that babies who has been vaccinated has lower risk for SIDS.

Taking care of our little one requires a lot of effort from the moment they are still in our tummy. These little humans deserve to live life as wonderfully as we have. Let us do our best as parents to provide them a healthy and risk-free environment to grow into.