October is SIDS Awareness Month. SIDS is the sudden and unexpected death of an
infant younger than one year of age when there is no other reason for the
death. SIDS remains the leading cause of
death in infants one month to one year of age.
“SIDS awareness month is an opportunity to reach families and provide
information about ways to reduce the risk of SIDS,” stated Dr. Dean Kelaita,
Calaveras County Health Officer.
SIDS usually occurs between the first
and fourth months after a baby is born.
But it can occur in babies up to 12 months of age. There are steps that families can take to
reduce the risk of SIDS. “We have not been able to eliminate SIDS. We know that is it not the result of immunizations,
vomiting or choking,” added Kelaita.
Safe sleeping is an important way to
lower the risk of SIDS:
·
Babies
should sleep on their back for the first year of life. All caregivers and family members should
follow this recommendation.
·
It
is good for babies to share a room with parents but not share the parent’s
bed. Babies need a firm mattress with a
fitted sheet. Loose bedding, soft toys
and bumpers should be kept out of the crib.
·
Avoid
letting the baby get too hot when sleeping.
·
A
pacifier can be offered at naptime or bedtime. Once asleep, it should be
removed from the baby’s mouth.
Other steps to keep infants healthy
and reduce SIDs risk:
·
Before
the baby’s birth, the mother should get regular prenatal care, avoid alcohol,
tobacco and drugs.
·
After
the baby is born, the home should be free of tobacco, especially in the baby’s
sleeping area.
·
Breastfeeding
is another way to lower the risk of SIDS.
·
Babies
should get regular well baby check-ups and immunizations.
The Calaveras County Public Health
Department offers a nurse home visiting program, Baby and Me, for expecting
mothers and families caring for an infant.
There is no cost for the service.
For more information about SIDS or the Baby and Me Nurse Home Visiting
Program, call the Public Health Department at 209.754.6460 and ask for the Baby
and Me Program nurse or visit www.calaveraspublichealth.com.
