7 Steps to Reduce the Risk of SIDS

In light of new research, SIDS should no longer be considered a mysterious cloud that hangs over cribs and causes babies to take their last breath. Armed with a new understanding of SIDS, parents can at least do something to reduce their worry and reduce the risk. SIDS seems to be a combination of many factors: immature development of cardiorespiratory control mechanisms, defective arousability from sleep in response to breathing difficulties, medical conditions that compromise breathing, and unsafe sleeping practices. Therefore, this SIDS risk-reduction program is designed to help these factors:

The seven SIDS risk-lowering steps:

1. Give your baby a healthy womb environment.
2. Do not allow smoke around your baby – pre or postnatally.
3. Put your baby to sleep on his back or side, not on his stomach.
4. Breastfeed your baby.
5. Give your baby a safe sleeping environment.
6. Avoid overheating your baby during sleep.
7. Practice the "high-touch" style of attachment parenting.

Medical and family circumstances may prevent you from doing all seven of these risk-lowering practices, but do the best you can.