Many people are aware that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but did you know that it is also Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month? As a company creating your favorite baby products, SIDS awareness and education is very important to Aden + Anais as well as Little Dudes and Divas. This month, and every month is a great time to educate our fans and everyone out there on the importance of safe sleep for baby.
When talking about SIDS, it is important to understand that nothing can be done to prevent SIDS, however parents and care givers can reduce SIDS risk factors. On October 18, 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) came out with an updated study about SIDS risk factors.
Room-sharing without bed-sharing
You’ve probably heard statements such as, “We shared our bed with our children and nothing happened”. However, there is a surplus of research that shows bed sharing with an infant is dangerous. There is NO research that shows bed sharing reduces the risk of SIDS. Over 20 research studies have been done that have shown a direct link between bed sharing and infant death. In the October 18th study, the AAP stated “The baby should sleep in the same room as the parents, but not in the same bed (room-sharing without bed-sharing).”
Always place baby on his or her back for every sleep time.
Since the AAP recommended that all babies should be placed on their backs to sleep in 1992, deaths from SIDS have declined dramatically. This rule still holds true today. Keep in mind that swaddling a newborn helps to keep them on their backs while sleeping, however if baby is old enough to turn over, they should no longer be swaddled. Instead consider a sleeping bag or sleep sack.
Remove all lose bedding, bumpers and toys from the crib.
According to the AAP, there is no evidence that bumper pads prevent injuries, and there is a potential risk of suffocation, strangulation or entrapment. For warmth and comfort consider a wearable blanket such as the aden + anais® classic and cozy sleeping bags. Sleeping bags eliminate the need for loose blankets in the crib.
Don’t let baby get too hot.
Overheating is a SIDS risk factor. Many people think that babies need to be bundled with hats and blankets. Dress your baby in as much or as little clothing as you would wear. Keep in mind that the AAP recommends that while baby is sleeping, room temperature should be comfortable for a lightly clothed adult or approximately 61-67 degrees Fahrenheit.
Support SIDS research every month and remember that a portion of all aden + anais® swaddles and sleeping bags go to the CJ Foundation for SIDS.
Thank you Aden+Anais for the helpful information! We hope our readers will share this information with new parents so that we can all take part in reducing the risk of SIDS and keep those beautiful babies happy and healthy.
