Most new parents worry about the car seat — is it installed correctly? Or the toys — are they safe for baby? Or about baby-proofing — get ready before they’re crawling and climbing all over the place! What too few parents think about, however, is a risk that’s a lot more real, more common, and happens much more often than most parents even know.
You may have heard of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a mysteriously sudden and silent medical disorder that can happen to an infant who seems healthy, and is the leading cause of death among babies between 1 month and 1 year of age. But did you know each year there are about 3,500 Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID) in the United States? These infant deaths have no immediately obvious cause, and include SIDS, as well as accidental suffocation and strangulation and undetermined causes; many of which are preventable.
Despite a major decrease in SIDS incidences since the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released its recommendation that infants be placed to sleep on their backs, this decline has plateaued, while other causes of sleep-related deaths, including suffocation, asphyxia and entrapment have increased.
With adequate education and preparation, however, parents and caregivers can learn how to help keep their baby safe in its sleep.
Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii, a statewide nonprofit organization, introduced “Hawaii Cribs for Kids,” part of a national program designed to impact this startlingly common tragedy by providing information and resources.
Parents and caregivers attend an educational session about protective factors, potential hazards and how to reduce the risks. Each income-eligible participant also receives a Pack ‘n Play travel crib to provide a designated safe place for baby to sleep at home.
What do all parents need to know?
• Always place babies to sleep on their backs, even for naps.
• Use a firm sleep surface; babies should never sleep on soft beds, couches or chairs.
• The immune-boosting power of breastfeeding offers protection from SIDS. Remember, the recommendation is nothing but breast milk during the first six months.
• “Room-share” without bed-sharing. Babies should sleep in the same room as the parents, but not in the same adult bed, due to suffocation and entrapment risks from pillows, blankets and other family members.
• Adhere to routine immunizations; vaccines have never been linked to SIDS.
• Consider using a pacifier after breastfeeding has been well established, studies have shown a protective benefit.
• Watch for signs of overheating, such as sweating or feeling hot to the touch. Infants need no more than one extra layer than an adult would wear to be comfortable.
• Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke, alcohol, and illicit drugs during pregnancy and infancy. Each of these substances poses a significant risk to baby’s health.
Interested in learning more? Thanks to a grant from the G.N. Wilcox Trust, this valuable program is now expanding to Kauai, providing a way for HMHB to reach more families to reduce the rate of sleep-related infant deaths. Participants are referred through partner agencies that serve pregnant women, and classes are held regularly.
For information on becoming a partner referral agency, or to attend a class, contact HMHB: info@hmhb-hawaii.org or call: (808) 737-5805.
•••
Lisa Kimura is executive director of Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii, LisaK@hmhb-hawaii.org, (808) 737-5805
