13 Ways To Reduce The Risk Of SIDS

HELPING YOUR BABY GET A SAFER NIGHTS SLEEP 13 WAYS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF SIDS Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is responsible for the lives of just over 300 babies each year in the UK. Sometimes known as 'cot death,' it is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby. Whilst the cause of SIDS isn't fully understood, there are a number of things you can do as a parent to reduce the risk. WHO IS AT RISK FROM SIDS? SIDS is the leading cause of death amongst children under the age of 12 months. Approximately 90% of cases happen in babies under six months of age, most within the first three. THERE IS A HIGHER RISK OF SIDS AMONGST: Premature Babies Вoys (Born Before 37 Weeks) Low Birth Weight Babies (Less Than 5.5lb) REDUCING THE RISK OF SIDS... IT'S IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS TO UNDERSTAND HOW THEY CAN HELP TO PREVENT SIDS: DO DON'T Do.Always put your baby dowm to sleep on their back. Don't.. Fall asleep on the sofa or in a chair with your baby. Do... Keep your baby smoke free both Don't. Let your baby get too hot. during pregnancy and after birth. Don't. Put blankets, pillows, toys or bumpers in the cot. Do..Breastfeed your baby. Do. Put your baby to sleep in a cot or Moses basket in the same room as you. Don't. Share a bed with your baby. Don't. Let your baby's head become covered. Place them in the 'feet to foot position. Do...Make sure the cot mattress is firm and tight fitting. Do... Give your baby a dummy whilst they sleep. Do...Swaddle your baby or use a sleeping bag if they're cold. Do...Talk to other care-givers about ways to reduce SIDS. ALWAYS BE SURE TO DISCUSS WAYS TO REDUCE THE RISKS OF SIDS WITH ANYONE WHO CARES FOR YOUR CHILD. DID YOU KNOW? 1 IN 5 CASES OCCURS IN THE CARE OF SOMEONE OTHER THAN A PARENT. Many cases occur during 'unaccustomed tummy sleeping" which increases the risk by 18 times! SIDS is not caused by immunisations, vomiting or choking. Sleeping on a sofa with a baby increases the risk of SIDS by 50 times! Sharing a room with your baby can reduce the risk of SIDS by 50%. Cases of SIDS have reduced by around 70% since the first 'Back To Sleep' campaign in 1989. TUMMY TO PLAY, BACK TO SLEEP "Tummy Time' is an important part of helping your baby develop, however this must always be whilst they are awake and under the supervision of an adult. A baby should always be placed on their back to go to sleep, even for short naps. FOR FURTHER SUPPORT AND ADVICE, YOU CAN TURN TO: The Lullaby Trust (www.tullabytrust.co.uk) Sands (www.uk-sands.org) First Candle (www.firstcandle.org) Sleepy People.com Brought to you by SleepyPeople.com http://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/ http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a419/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids the place for a great night's sleep http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/reducing-risk-cot-death.aspx https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx http://www.parents.com/baby/health/sids/new-ways-to-prevent-sids/