October is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month.
Each year, there are about 3,400 sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) in the United States. These deaths occur among infants less than 1 year old and have no immediately obvious cause.
The three commonly reported types of SUID include the following:
-Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
-Unknown cause
-Accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed
In 2020, there were about 1,389 deaths due to SIDS, about 1,062 deaths due to unknown causes, and 905 deaths due to accidental suffocation and strangulation.
The exact cause of SIDS remains unknown, but research has found multiple conditions that may lead to SIDS. With these conditions there are ways to reduce the risk of SIDS.
1. Place your baby on their back to sleep for every sleep time.
2. Use a firm sleep surface.
3. Not letting your baby sleep on soft surfaces such as a couch or bed.
4. Share your room with your child but not your bed.
5. Making sure nothing covers your baby’s face or head during sleep.
6. Keep pillows, blankets and other items out of your baby’s sleep area.
7. Not smoking or letting others smoke around your baby.
8. Dress your baby in sleep clothing and not using a blanket.
9. Breastfeeding your baby.
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