Parents and Caregivers
Parents to Be
Unfortunately, we cannot expect to prevent all SIDS deaths now. To do so requires a much greater understanding of SIDS, which will be achieved only with considerably expanded research effort.
However, there are things that can be done to reduce the risk of SIDS. There are things that parents-to-be can do.
Healthy pregnancies lead to healthy babies and healthy babies have a less risk of dying from any illness!
Get medical care early in pregnancy, preferably within the first three months, followed by regular checkups at the doctor's office or health clinic. Make every effort to assure good nutrition. These measures can reduce the risk of premature birth, a major risk factor for SIDS.
Do not smoke or use drugs. Speak to your doctor before using any medications even over the counter drugs. Alcohol should be avoided. Tobacco use during pregnancy increases the infant's risk for SIDS and other respiratory problems.
Take care to prevent becoming pregnant during the teenage years. If you are a teen and already have one infant, take extreme caution not to become pregnant again. The SIDS rate decreases for babies born to mothers over the age of twenty. It is highest for babies born to teenage mothers. The more babies a teen mother has, the greater at risk they are. Wait at least one year between the birth of a child and the next pregnancy. Remember, the shorter the interval between pregnancies, the higher the SIDS rate.
Nutrition: Expectant moms must take care to eat properly. Your baby needs good nutrition to grow properly. Low birth weight increases the risk of SIDS and many other medical problems. A variety of foods is needed for good nutrition including meat, dairy products, vegetables, fruits, breads and grains.
Grandparents
In just one generation there have been significant changes in the way we parent our babies and children. The recommended practices today are based on extensive research and support baby's growth and development.
It is easy to see how grandma may have mixed feelings about all these new approaches that fly in the face of what she did when raising her babies. It's not that grandma did the wrong things; she followed what were considered the best practices at the time.
Grandma may be baffled by how often your baby is up at night. Hopefully she will have a healthy curiosity about changes in the baby care world and will respect and support your choices as a mother.
Babies are all being slept on their backs now to help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Babies are more wakeful on their backs than on their tummies. It is crucial that no one ever place a baby to sleep on their tummy even once, as the risk of SIDS is increased 20 times in a baby accustomed to back sleeping, when put to sleep on their tummy.
It is also advised that the baby sleep in a clutter-free environment to allow for freer air circulation. Big puffy comforters, sheepskins, bumper pads, duvets, stuffed animals, soft mattresses and pillows are all considered unsafe in the baby's sleep environment.
While visiting grandparents, baby must never sleep on an adult bed surrounded by pillows. This is extremely dangerous. Sleeping in a car seat is not recommended.
Baby should sleep in a travel crib. If a travel crib is not available, fold a flat blanket on the floor for baby to sleep on. The floor is a good firm surface. Ensure pets cannot enter the room.
Babysitters
Taking care of children requires maturity and responsibility. The Canada Safety Council recommends a Babysitter Training Course for youth age 12-17.
Always put babies on their back to sleep. Research has shown that is the safest position to reduce the risk of SIDS. An infant will not choke because they are on their backs.
New babies don't have regular sleep patterns. Some sleep nearly all day, others for only short periods. All babies are born with different sleep needs. A few babies will sleep through the night but many will wake regularly.
If the Parents have not learned about reducing the risk of SIDS, you should explain that sleeping on the back has reduced the rate of SIDS by 45%. You should also inform parents that, as a babysitter, you feel more comfortable with the baby on their back and that for safety reasons that is the position you will use while babysitting. Suggest they visit our website for more details.
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