1. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome SIDS

2. RealCare baby cries when put on its tummy.
Real babies can have tummy time when they are awake.
Short time
Ensure head does not become flattened

3. What we know about SIDS SIDS occurs in all kinds of families.
SIDS occurs in seemingly healthy infants.
SIDS has nothing to do with race or economic status.
Fall and winter months have the most incidence of SIDS.
Most deaths from SIDS happen before the infant is 6 months old, with the largest number between 1 and 4 months of age.

4. What we know about SIDS
SIDS often happens quickly during sleep, and the infant shows no sign of suffering.
There is a higher likelihood of SIDS among boys, premature and low- birthweight infants, twins, and triplets.
SIDS is determined as the cause of death only after all other causes have been eliminated through an autopsy, and a review of family history.
SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants between one month and one year of age.
No one knows what causes SIDS.

5. Risk Factors Infants are more at risk for SIDS if their mother:
Smoke while pregnant
Are less than 20 years old at the time of the pregnancy
Have poor prenatal care
Have low weight gain while pregnant
Are anemic (deficiency of red blood cells)
Use drugs while pregnant
Have a history of STDs or urinary tract infections while pregnant

6. High risk babies – greater risk of SIDS
Premature
Low birthweight
Put to sleep on their stomachs

7. SIDS Prevention Back to sleep – whether nap or night time
Non-fluffy bedding – firm mattress or surface
Good prenatal care – good nutrition, avoiding drugs, alcohol
No smoking – 3 X more likely to die from SIDS / Exposure after birth doubles likelihood
Cool room temperature – infants overheat with too much bedding or clothing

8. SIDS Prevention
Breastfeeding – breast milk can provide extra protection and immunity from infections that can trigger SIDS
Regular health care – regular check up and immunizations

9. SIDS is: Not contagious Not caused by immunizations
Not caused by child abuse
Not caused by vomiting, choking, olds or infections
Not the cause of every unexpected infant death
Not anyone’s fault