SmartHealthToday Team
October is SIDS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and we want to join families in remembering the babies lost, support parents who are grieving the loss of a child, and make sure everyone is doing what they can to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).
A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that more than half of U.S. parents are still using soft bedding for their sleeping babies, even though it’s been linked to an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
According to Dr. John LaCount, a pediatrician with St. Elizabeth Physicians’ Florence office, it’s a case of parents telling you one thing but, at times, doing another.
“We tell families about the issues and risks, we tell them not to sleep with their babies and not to put them on their stomachs,” he said.
Here’s a reminder of safe sleep guidlines courtesy of HealthyChildren.org:
• Place your child to sleep on his or her back, even for naps
• Check current safety standards for cribs, bassinets and other devices. Never place your baby in a crib that has been recalled.
• Keep loose bedding and other soft blankets, stuffed animals and pillows out of the crib or bassinet. This includes comforters and quilts.
• Sleep in the same room – not the same bed – as your baby.
• Breastfeed if you are able; it’s been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS
• Offer your baby a pacifier
For more tips, click here.
First Candle, a leading organization dedicated to infant health and survival, is raising awareness during the month of October by joining forces with individuals, local, state and national organizations, as well as corporate and retail partners to increase awareness about these tragic causes of infant death. Below is an infographic highlighting what you can do during SIDS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month to remember and support your loved ones.
SmartHealthToday is a service of St. Elizabeth Healthcare.