SIDS Foundation of Washington
Many American Indians are renewing the tradition of using cradle boards. The good news is that cradle boards may help reduce SIDS deaths because the baby is placed
on his or her back. But cradle boards should not be used when the baby is a passenger in a motor vehicle. When transporting your baby, use an infant car seat that will
protect him or her in case of a motor vehicle crash.
Remember, most babies are born healthy and most stay that way. Do not let the fear of SIDS spoil your enjoyment of having a new baby.
If you have any questions about your baby’s sleep position or health, first talk to your doctor or nurse.
SIDS Foundation of Washington
4649 Sunnyside Avenue North, Suite 348
Seattle, Washington 98103
(206) 548-9290
(800) 533-0376
Website: www.SIDSofWA.org
E-mail:
SIDS is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, which is sometimes called “crib death.” It means that a healthy baby dies quickly, without warning, and doctors cannot find a reason why the baby has died. SIDS can happen to any family no matter what ethnic background, how much money they make, or where they live. We still do not know what causes babies to die of SIDS. We do know that when babies are put to sleep on their backs, fewer babies die of SIDS.
SIDS is the major cause of death for babies from one month to one year of age. Too many American Indian and Alaska Native babies die before their first birthday. Some studies have indicated that SIDS is almost three times as common among American Indians and Alaska Natives as in the general US population. We now know ways for you to help lower your baby’s risk of SIDS.
The baby has been placed on his back. His clothing is loose fitting. The sheets on the mattress are tight fitting. The mattress provides the baby with a firm, flat surface.
The crib does not have any stuffed animals, blankets, bumper pads, or pillows.
By following these simple baby care practices, you can lower your baby’s chance of dying of SIDS. The proper care of an infant is important for everyone who looks after a baby, not just parents, but also other members of the family including grandparents and other caregivers, such as foster parents, childcare providers and babysitters.
One of the most important things you can do to help lower the risk of SIDS is to place your baby to sleep on his or her back. This is true both at night and for naps unless your doctor says otherwise. Babies should sleep on their backs even if they are sleeping with you.
Some people worry that babies sleeping on their b a c k may choke if they spit up or vomit. There is no evidence that sleeping on the back causes choking. Researchers have found that babies turn their heads when they spit up, so there is no increased risk of choking.
• A crib with a firm mattress and a tight fitting sheet is the safest place for a baby to sleep.
• It is unsafe for your baby to sleep on soft things like sagging mattresses, couches, pillows, thick blankets, foam pads, or waterbeds.
• There should be no blankets, sheepskins, pillows, or stuffed toys near the baby.
SIDS is more common among those babies who are exposed to smoke.
Smoke of any kind is not good for your baby.
Babies exposed to smoke get sick more often
and have more medical problems.
Always provide a smoke- and drug-free environment for your baby.
The temperature in your baby’s room should feel
comfortable to you.
Do not overdress or bundle your baby.
Your baby should be dressed warmly enough to sleep
without any covers.
If your baby seems sick, call your doctor or clinic right
away.
It is important that your baby receives routine physical
exams and gets his or her baby shots on time.
Breastfeed if possible. Breast milk contains nutrients
to keep your baby healthy.
You can help your baby build strong neck, stomach,
and arm muscles by giving her plenty of “tummy time”
while you watch and play with her.
