Editor’s Note: July 2, 2013 was a heartbreaking day for one Phenix City family after their four-month-old baby boy, Ethan, died. Officials believe his death was caused by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS. For more info on this developing story, go to WRBL.com.
Guest Blogger: April L. Hartman, MD, FAAP, Columbus Regional Pediatrics
SIDS Safety: A few simple changes can make all the difference in the world
In 2005 the National Child Death Review Case Reporting System was set up to better determine the cause of SUIDS (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) and other causes of child death. Initially 9 states participated in reporting but now all 50 states are part of this reporting system.
Between 2005 and 2008 over 3,100 cases of SUIDS were reported across the US and there were several important findings.
- Only 25% of those babies who died of SUIDS were in an appropriate crib or bassinet. 70% were in bed with an adult or on a couch or chair!
- Almost 64% were still sleeping on their stomach or side.
- A large amount of these babies were exposed to cigarette smoke.
After reviewing this data a new campaign called “Safe to Sleep” was initiated. In October 2011 the American Academy of Pediatrics Taskforce on SIDS gave new recommendations and there has been an effort to educate people on Safe Sleep. The campaign is similar to the Back To Sleep program, just expanded a little:
- Back To Sleep – even side sleeping is not as safe as sleeping on the back.
- Avoid Passive Smoke exposure
- Safe Sleep Surface – no pillows or other soft surfaces
- No Bed Sharing – room sharing is fine
- Minimal bedding – no stuffed animals, no bulky comforters or blankets, no bumper guards
There are many other things that can also help decrease the risk of SUIDS such as breastfeeding and offering a pacifier at night. It is also good to take a CPR class so you know what to do if your child stops breathing for any reason. Keeping up on immunizations has been shown to lower the risk of SUIDS by 50%! If you smoke, stop. And avoid overheating.
It is tragic for the families who wake up and find their new baby no longer breathing. A few simple changes can make all the difference in the world.
On the Net:
- www.healthychildren.org
- www.sids.org
- cribsforkids.org – this organization will help families get new cribs if they have none or if the one they have is not safe.
Columbus Regional Pediatrics
2000 10th Avenue, Suite 320
Columbus, GA 31901
Office hours by appointment:
706.660.2932
Photo Credit: graphicleftovers.com
