No one wants to believe it’ll happen to them, but SIDS doesn’t discriminate. Sudden infant death syndrome can happen to any baby. The best way to fight against it is to understand that all babies are at risk and then take the proper precautions to ensure you reduce the risk of SIDS for your baby.
No parent should have to endure the passing of a child, especially when completely unexpected. Bringing a little one into the world is frightful at times because of all the worry placed onto the parents. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to keep your baby as safe as possible.
Table of Contents
Do you know how to prevent sudden infant death syndrome?
If you’re unsure, then continue reading below. Here’s everything you need to know about the precautions you should be taking!
Sleep Babies on Their Backs
Although SIDS isn’t solely caused by babies sleeping on their stomachs, sleeping your baby on their stomach can increase your baby’s chances of SIDS. In order to ensure they have enough air and can breathe with ease, your baby should sleep on their back at all times.
Even if you’re laying your baby down for a quick nap during the day and will be nearby, you should still sleep them on their backs. If you see them roll over in their sleep, then make sure to gently roll them back onto their backs.
Use a Firm Crib Mattress
It’s also essential that you use a firm mattress in the crib. A soft mattress can allow indentation which can cause the baby’s face to become settled in the indentation and prevent proper breathing. It’s also important for you to only use a fitted sheet on the mattress.
A fitted sheet will ensure there’s no excess fabric that can also prevent the baby from breathing properly during sleep.
Remove Comforters and Other Items
Aside from placing only a fitted sheet on the mattress, you should also remove any comforters and other items in the crib as well. Comforters can affect the baby’s breathing as can crib bumpers, toys, pillows, and other items. If you want to keep these items in the crib while the baby isn’t inside it, then you can simply remove them when placing the baby in the crib.
If you need to use a blanket, only use a thin receiving blanket. However, it’s best to not use any blanket and instead, place your baby in warm enough clothing that they won’t need a blanket.
Keep an Eye on Them at All Times
If you’re able to keep an eye on your baby at all times, you’ll be able to reduce their chances of SIDS. If possible, consider having your baby sleep in your room with you in their own crib or in a bassinet. You don’t want to sleep them in the bed with you, though.
Another way to keep an eye on them at all times even if they’re not in the room with you is to install a baby monitor with a video option and use the best baby breathing monitor. With all of these devices combined, you have a better chance of catching an issue with your baby’s breathing as soon as it happens.
Offer Baby a Pacifier at Night
Another good way to help prevent SIDS is to offer your baby a pacifier at night. You do want to be sure the pacifier doesn’t have anything attached to it, such as a stuffed animal or something else. Even if the baby spits the pacifier out during their sleep, this is okay.
You don’t need to worry about keeping the pacifier in their mouth the entire time.
Avoid Smoking Around the Baby
A great way to prevent SIDS is to keep your baby and their lungs as healthy as they can be. To do this, you should avoid smoking during pregnancy and avoid smoking around the baby after they arrive. Second-hand smoke can increase your baby’s risk of SIDS.
Make sure not only you avoid smoking around your baby, but everyone else as well. Everyone who spends time around your baby should know that smoking is prohibited around the baby.
Prevent Overheating in Your Baby
As much as you want to keep them protected and bundled, avoid bundling them up too much while they sleep. Overheating could lead to SIDS, so you should only dress the baby in clothing appropriate for the environment they’re in. Think about what you would sleep in and try placing your baby in something similar.
If you can avoid layering, then it’s best to do so. You should also avoid covering your baby’s head and face as well. Be sure to check your baby for signs of sweating and make the necessary changes.
Don’t Use Sleep-Positioning Devices
There are some sleep-positioning devices on the market that claim to prevent SIDS, but unfortunately, there’s no evidence proving that these devices work. You must also keep in mind that placing any item in your baby’s crib can have a negative effect on their breathing.
Because of this, it’s best to avoid using these devices and instead sleep your baby on their back with no items in the crib.
You Can Reduce the Risk of SIDS in Your Baby
SIDS is terrifying to imagine. No one thinks about something so serious happening to their own baby, but it can happen. When you follow the advice listed above, you can reduce the risk of SIDS in your baby.
Keep this guide handy to ensure you do everything you can to keep your baby safe and healthy.
Are you looking for more information about parenting and other baby topics? If so, be sure to visit on a regular basis to find new posts!
