Subtitle: Is a 7 Month Old at Risk for SIDS?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a devastating event in which an infant dies suddenly, without any warning or obvious cause. While it is most common in infants under the age of one, SIDS can occur in babies up to the age of two. The risk of SIDS is highest in infants between 1 and 4 months old, but it is important for parents to be aware of the risks that exist for babies up to 7 months old.
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors associated with SIDS, including:
- Prematurity: Babies born prematurely are more likely to develop SIDS.
- Parental Smoking: Babies exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to die from SIDS.
- Overheating: Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS.
- Low Birth Weight: Babies with a low birth weight are more likely to develop SIDS.
- Sleeping Position: Babies who sleep on their stomachs or sides are more likely to develop SIDS.
Ways to Reduce the Risk of SIDS
There are several steps that parents can take to reduce the risk of SIDS in their infant. These include:
- Place babies to sleep on their backs.
- Keep the crib free of any soft bedding or toys.
- Avoid overheating the baby by dressing them appropriately for the temperature of the room.
- Avoid smoking around the baby.
- Breastfeed the baby, as this has been found to reduce the risk of SIDS.
It is important to note that while these steps can reduce the risk of SIDS, they cannot eliminate it entirely. Therefore, parents should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of SIDS and contact their healthcare provider if they are concerned that their baby may be at risk.
