| HealthMad > Children |
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Reducing the Risk of SIDS |
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by Megan Williams, May 17, 2007 |
To minimize the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), remember that you ALWAYS MUST place your child on his or her back to sleep. Make sure that everyone who cares for your child knows this rule as well. Here are some other tips to reduce your child’s risk. |
- “Back to sleep”. remember this saying to remind yourself that your child needs to be on his back to sleep whether it be at night or just a nap, ALWAYS.
- Make sure your baby sleeps on a firm infant mattress with no more than a tight-fitting infant sheet between the baby and the mattress.
- Use footsie pajamas to help keep your baby warm, instead of using a blanket. If your baby needs a blanket, make sure it only covers his or her feet, and goes nowhere near your child's face.
- Do not use top sheets or pillows, due to suffocation hazards.
- Keep soft items out of the crib or sleeping area. These items include pillows, cushions, soft toys, stuffed animals, or loose fitting bedding.
- Offer him or her a pacifier. Studies have shown that babies who sleep with a pacifier have a lower risk of SIDS. Though the reason is unknown, the educated guess was that it was due to the rhythmic sucking motions that aided in the remembrance to breathe.
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