SIDS
Awareness Month
Calaveras
County Public Health is observing SIDS Awareness Month in October. SIDS (Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome) is the sudden, unexpected death of a baby younger than
one year of age when there is no other reason for the death. SIDS is the
leading cause of death among infants between one month and one year of age.
“SIDS Awareness Month is a time for Public Health to bring information to
families about ways to lessen the risk of SIDS,” stated Dr. Dean Kelaita,
Calaveras County Health Officer.
SIDS
usually occurs between the first and fourth month of age, but it can occur in
babies up to 12 months of age. “We cannot prevent SIDS, but there are steps
that families can take to reduce the risk,” continued Dr. Kelaita. The Safe to
Sleep campaign increases families’ understanding of the steps to reduce risk.
The campaign has helped to decrease the SIDS rate by more than 50% since 1994.
The steps to reduce risk include:
·
Always place a baby on the back to sleep
for naps and at night.
·
Place baby to sleep on a firm sleep
surface without pillows, sheepskins or other
soft
materials.
·
Keep soft objects, toys, and loose
bedding out of baby’s sleep area.
·
Keep baby monitor cords, window drape or
blind cords out of baby’s reach.
·
Keep your home smoke-free.
·
Be sure the baby does not get overheated
during sleep.
·
Keep the baby’s sleep area close to but
separate from parents and others.
These
steps can make a safe sleep area for a baby. They are recommendations from the
American Academy of Pediatrics. Share this information with everyone who cares
for a baby including grandparents, other relatives, friends, child care
providers, and babysitters.
Public
Health provides supportive services through the Baby & Me Nurse Home
Visiting Program. The program nurse works with pregnant women, new parents, and
those caring for infants to help keep babies healthy. There is no cost for this
service.
For more
local support services and SIDS information, call the Public Health Department
at 754-6460 and visit the website at http://www.co.calaveras.ca.us/cc/departments/publichealthdepartment.aspx
