One of the greatest fears of new parents is putting their baby’s to sleep at night. Most parents fear something will happen to their little one, or worse they will die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is quite common and normal for parents to worry about the welfare of their little one.
Studies show that babies born with abnormalities underlying defect located in the brain stem are most likely to vulnerable to sudden death. This is the area of the brain that controls the lung, heart and breathing functions. According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the peak of SIDS is risk is from the age of 1 to 4 months. The higher percentage is at 90 percent came from babies who were 6-months or younger. SIDS is very difficult for parents to cope with because it is unpredictable and it is something that just happens suddenly without no warning. Death for young babies normally occur between the hours of 10 p.m. to 10 a.m.
Reducing the Chances of SIDS
According to the Safe to Sleep Campaign launched in 1994 to help parents decrease the risk of losing a child to SIDS, parents are should put sleeping babies on their back to nap instead of their tummies. Because of the campaign SIDS decreased dramatically by 50 percent. Although, the practices are in place there are still a great amount of children still dying.
What Other Things Can Be Done to Prevent SIDS?
Avoid taking advice from people who say, “well, this is how I did it, nothing happened to my child.” Some people mean no harm but just because they might have been lucky does not mean it will turn out the same way for you. It is best to take the advice of those who have done studies and work with young children a professional health care level. A family’s cultural background are also issues when it comes to SIDS, African-American and Native American babies have more than twice the SIDS rates of Caucasian babies.
1. Safe sleeping environment. Create a safe sleeping environment for your baby. The bed should be firm and flat, and should not include toys, blankets, bumper pad or any other types of soft linen. Your little one cannot hold their head up, and this mean they will not be able to hold themselves up if they should become buried in these items.
2. Baby on tummy. Do not put babies on their tummies; they should be placed on their backs.
3. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, never put your infant in the bed with you, or smaller children. It is easy to roll over on the little one and suffocate them.
4. Cover babies with a light sheet. Avoid using big blankets, you do not want the infant to become overheated.
5. Stop smoking! Babies who were born to mothers who smoked have a 3 times higher chance of having SIDS.
6. Proper immunization. Have your children immunized on time, and do attend all pediatrician appointments. Doctors are able to detect conditions that might be a health problem early in young children.
Being a new parent is going to be challenging. All you can do is be the best parent you know how to be. Ask questions from qualified sources and do what is in the best interest of your little one.