SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or “crib death,” is the unexplained death of a baby
less than one year of age—a heartbreaking tragedy with its cause still
unknown.
SIDS is a type of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death, or SUID.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 4,000
sudden infants deaths a year in the United States.
About half of these are diagnosed as SIDS or “unexplained”; the other half are diagnosed
by other causes.
Although the cause of death in many of these children can’t be explained, most occur
while the infant is sleeping in unsafe sleeping environments.
Although very few of these deaths happen in child care, you can help reduce the risk of SIDS by
taking a few simple steps.
The first is to always place babies on their back to sleep.
Back to Sleep is recommended when you put a baby down for a nap or to bed for the night.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended this practice in 1992 and since that time,
occurrences have decreased by more than 50 percent.
Back to Sleep is the single most important component in reducing the risk of SIDS.
But there are more things you can do to reduce the risk further.
Use only a firm, flat mattress in safety-approved cribs for baby’s' sleep.
Soft objects, such as pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and other objects
should be kept out of a baby's sleeping environment.
Any loose bedding, such as fluffy blankets and sheets, may also pose a hazard.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of sleepers, sleep sacks, and wearable
blankets until the child is 12 months of age, as a safe alternative to blankets.
Older sleepers can wear footed pajamas or other one-piece sleepers, so no other covering
is necessary.
The “Feet to Foot” method of placing an infant at the bottom of the crib with a blanket
tucked in and around them is no longer recommended.
A crib that conforms to the safety standards of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
and the ASTM is a desirable sleeping environment for babies.
Crib slats must be secure and equal to or less than 2 3/8” apart.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued advisories to caregivers on the
hazards of beanbag cushions, water beds, and adult pillows.
Babies lack the coordination skills and muscle development necessary to roll over or move
their heads readily and get themselves out of a dangerous position.
In addition, the filling in beanbag chairs presents a significant choking hazard for
children of all ages.
Babies should be kept warm and out of drafts, but they should not be allowed to get too
warm.
Their neurological systems haven’t developed enough to provide adequate warning of overheating.
You need to maintain a comfortable temperature in the rooms used for child care
Provide a smoke-free environment for all children in your care.
Do not allow smoking in areas used by babies or small children.
Research indicates that the risk of SIDS doubles among babies exposed to cigarette smoke after
birth.
A more alarming fact is that the risk of SIDS triples for babies exposed both during pregnancy
and after birth.
Research also indicates that babies and young children exposed to tobacco smoke develop
more colds and other diseases than babies and young children not exposed.
When planning for the Health and Safety of the children in your child care program, remember
that NO SMOKING is good for everyone!
Researchers have concluded that SIDS is not contagious. It is not caused by vomiting or
spitting up, or by choking or minor illnesses, such as a cold or an infection.
More boys than girls are victims, and most deaths occur during the fall, winter and early
spring months.
Tell parents about your program’s polices regarding sleeping habits and why they are
so important for their babies.
Remind them that BACK TO SLEEP is the number one way to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Safe sleep practices are as easy as A-B-C: Infants sleep best Alone, on their Backs,
in a Crib.