Helping to prevent SIDS in babies. According to new guidelines from United States pediatricians (“US”), babies should sleep in their parents’ bedrooms for at least six months from birth to help prevent SIDS.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) report that each year there are approximately 3,500 “sudden unexpected infant deaths.” SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (“SIDS”). Many of the children in the CDC statistics have no immediate cause of death. Of the 2014 CDC statistics, 44% of infant deaths were related to SIDS, while 31% have an unknown cause and 25% are related to accidental strangulation and suffocation in bed.
Recommendations from the study suggest that babies should stay in their parents’ room for up to a full year if possible. With that said, the babies should not sleep in the bed with their parents. The babies should have their own beds. By sleeping in the bed with their parents, there is an increased risk of SIDS.
Based on news reports regarding the study, when babies sleep in the same room as their parents that can reduce SIDS by up to 50%, according to medical professionals. Add to this, it is best when babies sleep in bassinets or cribs with a firm surface. In addition, soft bedding should not be included, neither should soft pillows or bumpers.
News reports suggest that skin to skin contact should be had as soon as possible after birth in addition to breastfeeding to help prevent SIDS. It is also recommended in the report that mothers not sleep with their babies in their bed to make nursing more convenient.
To read more about the news article in support of this post click HERE. Also, remember to speak with your doctor regarding advice about helping to prevent SIDS with your baby if you have these types of questions.