Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS is, by definition, unexplained death of an infant or a child of up to 1 year of age. The death happens suddenly and is very difficult to explain, even with the help of autopsy. Still, despite the fact that finding the right cause of SIDS is not easy, there is a consensus among leading pediatricians about the ways of preventing the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
There are some measures that you as a parent need to take in order to lower the risk of the SIDS. Here are some of the most important ones!
1. Always Place the Baby on the Back
When you’re putting your baby to sleep, you must put it on the back. This goes even for short naps, as sleeping on the side or on the belly is very dangerous. It can cause the baby to suffocate. Even if you buy a quality crib mattress, which is breathable, it’s still advisable to keep the infant on the back.
2. The Mattress Needs to be Firm
Speaking of the mattress, although it would be great if it were made of breathable materials, the most important thing about it is that it’s firm.
3. Make Sure that Baby Sleeps Alone
The baby needs to be alone in the crib. This means that if you have twins or triplets, you need to put them in separate cribs. Furthermore, you must make sure that there are no toys left in the crib, as well as any loose bedding, or anything else that could pose a risk.
4. Baby’s Face Needs to Stay Uncovered All the Time
Although it is important to keep your baby covered in order not to let the body temperature drop, you need to make sure that the blanket doesn’t cover baby’s neck and face.
5. Make Sure the Baby Doesn’t Get Too Hot
The baby must not sleep in a cold room, but it is equally important not to let the baby get too hot. If you see that baby is sweating on the chests, it’s time to remove the blanket or open a window for a bit.
6. Keep the Air Fresh
During winter, some parents don’t air the room where the baby sleeps in order to keep the room temperature hot. The problem is that recycled air is not good for the baby. Actually, if the air is not fresh, the risk of SIDS goes up. So, make sure to let the fresh air in by opening windows. Or, if you live in a big city where the air is polluted, buy an air purifier.
7. Pay Attention to the Baby’s Nutrition
During the first few months of the life, the babies can live on a diet consisting only of mother’s milk. In fact, some pediatricians believe that breastfeeding is the best way to ensure a proper development of the baby. However, sometimes, for different reasons, mothers can’t breastfeed their baby, which is when using a formula is the best alternative.
Still, as there are different brands of formula available on the market, you need to make sure to choose the very best one for your infant. Our advice is to stick to those that are approved by the regulatory authorities.
Final Advice
The last, but not the least important advice is to stay in touch with the pediatrician. This way, whenever you feel a doubt about something related to your child’s wellbeing, you can give a call to an expert. Our advice is not to think twice when you have a question. After all, the health of your baby is at stake!
