Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a tragic and sudden death of an infant under the age of one year. It is the leading cause of death in infants between one month and one year of age. The exact cause of SIDS is unknown, but it is believed to be due to a combination of factors, such as an infant's age, environment, and medical history.
While there is no way to completely prevent SIDS, there are steps that parents can take to reduce the risk of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:
• Place the infant on their back to sleep. Babies should always sleep on their backs in a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and a tight-fitting sheet.
• Keep soft items, such as blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals, out of the crib.
• Keep the baby's sleeping area smoke-free.
• Place the baby on a separate sleeping surface, such as a crib or bassinet, in the same room as the parents.
• Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.
• Avoid overheating the baby's sleeping environment.
• Avoid bed-sharing.
• Make sure the baby's immunizations are up-to-date.
• Avoid using products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS.
These steps can help reduce the risk of SIDS, but it is important to remember that SIDS is still a leading cause of death in infants. Parents should speak with their pediatrician if they have any questions or concerns about SIDS or their infant's sleeping environment.