Did You Know About Sids?

Is it awful when you hear that a baby died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome? Every year some infant dies of SIDS. SIDS occurs in infants from 1 month to 12 months. Did you know that 1 in 5 sudden deaths happen when another person, then the parent, is taking care of the child? Some of the information you will read in this article was found in the American Academics of Pediatrics and in The National Sleep Foundation.

A good percentage of the SIDS happen when you baby is put to sleep in a different position then the one he is use to be. Babies are put to sleep on their back because it is proven that this is the safest way for them to sleep. Unfortunately when a caregiver or a baby sitter looks after your little one, often they put to sleep your baby on their tummy.
The statistic showed that baby that usually sleep on their back and are put to sleep on their tummy are18 times more likely to die of SIDS. Think about it...

It is so important to let know the caregiver, your friend or the babysitter how to put to sleep your baby. You have to remind them to put to sleep your baby for the night or a nap on his back. Do mention, it is crucial that they are aware of this.

What can cause SIDS? Usually it is caused by vomiting or choking or a deficient immune system. It so also important during the pregnancy that mommy takes care of herself. While you pregnant you can lower the risk of SIDS if you stop smoking and avoid secondary smoking, have regular checkups to make sure your baby is developing normally and if possible breastfeed for the first year. You will make sure that your baby gets all the natural nutrients he needs. Ideally try to place your baby crib in your room, it makes it easier to breastfeed and to watch him. And avoid when baby goes to sleep to leave in the crib toys, pillows and to many blankets.

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Sleeping is the most important act during the early development of your child. Newborns sleep almost all day and the sleep-wake cycle occurs when they need to be fed, changed and nurtured. Newborns can sleep between 11 to 18 hours a day on an irregular schedule with periods of one to three hours spent awake. During sleep, their brain is active. How do we know that baby wants to sleep? Well he will cry, or rub his eyes, or be more restless etc. He will let you know one way or the other, believe me. It is best to put babies to bed when they are sleepy, but not asleep. By doing this your baby will associate been sleepy and falling asleep. Quiet surroundings and soft lighting also will help your baby to fall asleep.

When baby get a little bit older, around 6 months, night time feedings are usually less necessary and many infants manage to sleep through the night. Infants usually sleep between 9 to12 hours during the night and can take 30 minute to 2 hours naps, one to four times a day. Nap time will get shorter and will be less frequent when baby get older. When infants are put to bed drowsy but not asleep, they are more likely to become "self- soothers" which enables them to fall asleep. Those who have become accustomed to parental assistance at bedtime often will need the parents to fall asleep or cry for them to help them return to sleep during the night.
Try to establish a certain routine with your child it will make it easier when bedtime comes. Bedtime should be consistent and enjoyable. A clinical study showed that a proven routine will helps babies fall asleep easier and improve sleep patterns throughout the night.

Sleep experts recommend a 3-step nightly routine consisting of a warm bath, followed by a gentle massage or rubbing and then a quiet activity of the parents choice such as reading, cuddling or listening to soft music.
Sleep well...
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