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©Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome 
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a medical disorder which claims the lives of thousands of young children from birth to one year of age. Once know as crib death, these infants deaths remain unexplained after all known causes have been ruled out through autopsy, death scene investigations, and medical history. SIDS can affect families of all races and income levels. It usually occurs during sleep, and strikes without warning. Its victims appear to be healthy. Neither parents nor Doctors can tell which babies will die.
What causes SIDS?
We do not know how or why SIDS happens. The first year of life is a time of rapid growth and development when any baby may be vulnerable to SIDS. Risk factors are not causes of SIDS, but they may be clues about what causes SIDS. Statistics have shown us that more babies die of SIDS during cold months. Some even say babies who sleep on there stomachs have an increased risk of SIDS.
Can SIDS be Prevented?
Despite recent claims, there is no product that can stop SIDS from happening. However, breathing monitors on a child who is suspected of SIDS can tell you when the baby misses a breath and gives parents a greater chance to respond to prevent SIDS. Much more work of common issues and physical response is being tested and to see if there is a common ground to diagnose and prevent SIDS.
A Message for All SIDS Parents
While doctors are hopeful that following these recommendations will save lives, we know that following the recommendations faithfully will not prevent SIDS deaths. Many SIDS victims have no known risk factors; and, most babies with one or more risk factor will survive. It is important that, since the causes of SIDS remain unknown, SIDS parents refrain from concluding that their child care practices may have cause their baby's death. Research, must continue if we are to discover how and why SIDS occurs, and expand upon these and other risk factors.
SIDS is not contagious
SIDS is not caused by immunization
SIDS is not caused by child abuse
SIDS is not one's fault
Recommendations for Reducing the Risks of SIDS
We share the following recommendations with you in the interest of providing parents with the latest medical evidence from the U.S. and other countries in the hope of giving your baby the best possible chance to live.
Steps Parents Can Take
Placing your baby to sleep.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that healthy infants sleep on their backs at night and naptime to reduce the risks of SIDS. However, if your infant is prone to being sick or weak they would also recommend ages from birth to 3 months babies sleep on their stomach with a face cloth under its head to keep and fluids that are draining off of it face, while babies from 3 months to 18 months sleep on its side. Since nearly one-third of all SIDS deaths occur in daycare settings, the Academy urges parents to extend this advisory to grandparents, babysitters, daycare providers foster parents and everyone who cares for young infants. Some infants may experience head flattening from to much time on their backs or in car seats, a condition which can usually be resolved by simple allowing more time on there tummy. We do as with the Alliance do not endorse the use of wedges or other items-homemade or bought intended to prop a baby on its side or back. Always remember to let your doctor know if your baby is spitting up or has breathing problems when sleeping. Never leave loose clothing, blankets or pillows in a crib. Dress your baby to sleep. May sure you don't over dress and over heat your child.
Useful hints for parents:
Stop Smoking or Quit smoking around newborns or while pregnant.
Use flat, firm bedding.
Don't over heat your baby.
Keep in good health of yourself and your baby.
Back to Sleep? Does it really work?
Critics of the accidental poisoning explanation for the cause of SIDS, have pointed out, that turning a baby onto the back should not reduce the incidence, if a toxic gas is responsible for SIDS deaths. The response to this argument is quite simple. The movement of a baby's nose and mouth 180 degrees away from the surface of the mattress, where gases heavier than air might accumulate, is an extremely strong argument in favor of the accidental poisoning explanation. Unfortunately, the risk remains that babies will continue to be exposed to a lighter gas, or absorb gases through the skin, otherwise the back position should be 100% safe, not 33%.
Reduce the Risks for SIDS: A Checklist for New Parents
Place you baby in the proper position to sleep.
Stop Smoking around your baby
Use flat, firm bedding
Avoid overheating your baby
Communicate with your doctor about changes in your baby's behavior or health
Most important have fun with your new baby
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