Many of us have heard of SIDS but what is it? and how does it happen? Can we prevent it? SIDS is commonly known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. These deaths usually occur among infants who are less than a year old while sleeping. Although there isn’t a guaranteed method to prevent SIDS, sleep safety can lower the risk.
- Infants sleeping on stomach is unsafe
- Have infants sleep on their backs
- Firm, flat surfaces are safe for sleeping
- Room sharing over bed-sharing is highly recommended
- Keep baby’s temperature regulated (caution of overheating)
- Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of SIDS
- Pacifiers can help prevent SIDS
Who is at risk for SIDS?
Babies might have a higher risk of SIDS if:
- use of drugs (smoking/alcohol) used by mom during or after pregnancy
- premature birth
- family history of SIDS
- if baby is overheated
- if baby sleeps on soft surfaces
- sleeping with objects (blankets, toys, etc)
For more tips on sleeping safety for infants, visit our blog What You Need to Know About Infant Sleep.
Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care opened in 2006 in San Antonio, Texas. With multiple locations in San Antonio and Dallas, they are open seven days a week with extended evening hours and see walk-in patients or through an online check-in system. They accept most commercial insurance and Medicaid plans.
