by Leave a Comment

October is Sudden Infant Death (SIDS) Awareness Month-What You Need to Know

 

Portrait of a little baby sleeping

 

In the last 10 years the US has made real progress in reducing the number of babies who dies from SIDS, but the rate is still too high.

What is SIDS?

SIDS is the unexplained death of a baby under the age of one year.

Who is at risk?

Babies under the age of one year.

What can you do?

1. Babies should always be placed on their back for sleep.

2. There should be no loose blankets, stuffed animals or anything at all in bed with the baby.

3. Baby’s mattress should be firm with a tight fitting sheet.

4. The majority of the baby’s sleep should take place in the crib or bassinet where the baby is lying flat. Sleeping in such things as a car seat, swing or stroller can put the baby in a position where there is a risk of suffocation.

5. Room sharing without bed sharing is best. However, if parents choose to bed share:

a) The mattress should be firm.

b) The parents should not be excessively tired, smoke cigarettes or be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

c) The sleeping should only take place in a proper bed; not on a couch or reclining chair.

d) Bed sharing should not take place with anyone but the parent(s).

6. Mothers should try to breastfeed for a minimum of six months.

7. Pacifier use at bedtime (not attached to anything.)

8. Baby’s sleep environment should be kept at 68 degrees and the baby should be dressed appropriately for that temperature. The baby should also be checked for perspiration or hot to the touch.

9. Pregnant woman should have regular pre-natal check-ups.

10. Baby’s immunizations should be kept up to date.

11. Anything marketed as reducing the risk of SIDS, should not be used.

12. Don’t give honey to a baby under the age of one, due to the risk of botulism and the relationship of botulism with SIDS

Also counteract back sleeping with tummy time during the day to aid with baby’s development.

For more information on SIDS please visit http:// www.nichd.nih.gov/SIDS

 

Please let me know if you found this article helpful.

Angela Walsh is a Family Sleep Institute, Certified Infant and Child Sleep Consultant, and the founder of Babes in Sleepland. She helps sleep deprived babies, children and families, get back on track and get the sleep they need and desire. To learn more about Angela and how she can help you, visit her website: babesinsleepland.com Also get sleep tips, the latest research on baby and child products, and be part of her weekly Q and A at her Facebook page: Babes in Sleepland

by Leave a Comment

Is There a Link Between Sudden Infant Death and Brain Stem Abnormalities?

beauty childhoodA recent study from Boston Children’s Hospital has found a link between Sudden Infant Death and brain stem abnormalities. This study found that babies with these abnormalities, died suddenly and unexpectedly in unsafe as well as safe sleeping environments.

Healthy babies will rouse from sleep when they are inhaling too much carbon dioxide. When babies have brainstem abnormalities they may not rouse, and their breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and temperature control are impeded.

More research is needed to determine ahead of time what babies are at risk, but in the meantime, all babies need to sleep in a safe environment and parents and caregivers need to follow the safe to sleep guidelines:

Babies are to be placed in their crib on their back.

Babies should sleep on a firm mattress.

There should be no bumper pads, pillows, stuffed animals or loose bedding in a baby’s bed.

A baby’s head should never be covered.

Babies sleeping environment should be well ventilated and kept at a temperature between 68-70 degrees.

Babies should not co-sleep.

Babies should never sleep on a couch or chair.

Babies should not be exposed to smoke.

For added protection, pacifiers are advised up to the age of one year.

 

Let me know if you have found this article helpful.

Meet Angela

My name is Angela Walsh.  I am a Child Sleep Consultant Certified by the Family Sleep Institute, and the founder of Babes in Sleepland.  As the mother of four grown children (three boys and a girl), my mission is to help parents like you enjoy every … (READ MORE)

What Our Families Are Saying

Kate, NY, NY

"After putting Angela’s techniques to use, we had a baby who went from several night wakings to only one waking a night! Angela was a great help, and was sensitive to my beliefs as a...
Babes in Sleepland
2014-02-06T17:16:34+00:00
"After putting Angela’s techniques to use, we had a baby who went from several night wakings to only one waking a night! Angela was a great help, and was sensitive to my beliefs as a parent.  We are so lucky to have worked with her!"

Deb, Comox British Columbia

"Angela helped my daughter make the transition to sleeping in her bassinet, and also helped to clarify the basics of baby sleep cycles. Her sleep habits have greatly improved and she is an alert and...
Babes in Sleepland
2014-02-06T17:16:59+00:00
"Angela helped my daughter make the transition to sleeping in her bassinet, and also helped to clarify the basics of baby sleep cycles. Her sleep habits have greatly improved and she is an alert and happy baby. I am so grateful for Angela’s help and would recommend her services to anyone who has questions or problems around their baby’s sleep."

Viney, Ny,Ny

"Angela was so helpful to me in my early attempts to sleep train my daughter; she was quick to respond, reassuring, empathetic and incredibly patient! Since I was dealing with my own sleep deprivation, I...
Babes in Sleepland
2014-02-06T17:17:52+00:00
"Angela was so helpful to me in my early attempts to sleep train my daughter; she was quick to respond, reassuring, empathetic and incredibly patient! Since I was dealing with my own sleep deprivation, I appreciated that she always sent me a recap of our conversations in an email after we spoke."

Brenda, Milwaukee, WI

"Working with Angela from Babes in Sleepland, our daughter Violet has gotten so much better in just a week’s time.  She’s been so full of smiles and I feel liberated.  Now we can fall head-over-heels...
Babes in Sleepland
2014-02-06T17:18:02+00:00
Testimonials
"Working with Angela from Babes in Sleepland, our daughter Violet has gotten so much better in just a week’s time.  She’s been so full of smiles and I feel liberated.  Now we can fall head-over-heels in love with her. When you are sleep-deprived, it’s hard to be truly happy to see your child in the morning when you have been hanging out with them all night!  Angela, thank you for your support during all these changes. Your business certainly fills a gap that sleep-deprived moms, dads, babies and families need.  With your training and expertise, you are able to take care of moms to get them and the whole family sleeping."

Brandi, Rye, NY

"I didn’t think anyone could help, but then I called Angela.  She was great!  After working with her, my son can now self-soothe, doesn’t eat at all throughout the night, and sleeps so much better!!...
Babes in Sleepland
2014-02-06T17:18:13+00:00
"I didn’t think anyone could help, but then I called Angela.  She was great!  After working with her, my son can now self-soothe, doesn’t eat at all throughout the night, and sleeps so much better!!  AMAZING!  Angela was so helpful and it was so great to be able to contact her with the smallest question or concern."

Cynthia, Old Greenwich, CT

"What I also found so appealing about Angela, is that she respected me as a mother. Her guidance kept me empowered. And she has the sweetest most soothing voice!"
Babes in Sleepland
2017-05-03T13:51:05+00:00
"What I also found so appealing about Angela, is that she respected me as a mother. Her guidance kept me empowered. And she has the sweetest most soothing voice!"
0
0
Babes in Sleepland

Featured On

healthy-life-logo
wiox-logo
itsyourhealthnetwork
NEW LIVING LO-2
pp-logo

DOWNLOAD A MEDIA KIT

fsi_logo-cert-latest
iacsc-member