For Immediate Release

Four Corners Health Department, serving Butler, Polk, Seward, and York Counties

Contact Vicki L. Duey, 402-362-2621 or toll free 877-337-3573

Date:  October 27, 2011

October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month

The birth of a newborn is an exciting time for the whole family.  Mom and dad rejoice with each new milestone, grandparents take turns holding and cuddling their new grandchild, and aunts and uncles have the camera close by to capture those memories.  But imagine how quickly this excitement turns to sorrow when Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) takes the life of a child. 

SIDS is the leading cause of death for babies 1 – 12 months of age.  It most often occurs between the ages of 2 – 4 months; 90% occur between 1 – 6 months.  It is also more common in the winter months (October through April).  In 2009 in Nebraska, there were 24 deaths under the age of one due to SIDS.

SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant who is younger than 1 year old.  It is a frightening occurrence as it remains unpredictable despite years of study and research.  It often strikes without warning, usually in healthy babies.  While we don’t know exactly what causes SIDS, we do know certain things that can help reduce the risk:

• Always place babies on their backs to sleep, for naps and at night.  This is the number one way to reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Place your baby on a firm mattress to sleep.  Never place a baby to sleep on a pillow, waterbed, sheepskin, couch, chair, or other soft surface. 
• Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area.  Keep all items away from the baby’s face.
• Avoid letting your baby overheat during sleep.  Dress your baby in light sleep clothing and keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult.
• Do not smoke, drink, or use drugs while pregnant and do not expose your baby to secondhand smoke. 
• Receive early and regular prenatal care.
• Make sure your baby has regular well-baby checkups.
• Breastfeed, if possible.  There is some evidence that breastfeeding may help decrease the incidence of SIDS. 

For parents and families who have experienced a SIDS death, many groups can provide grief counseling, support, and referrals.  To learn more go to First Candle at www.firstcandle.org or the American SIDS Institute at www.sids.org.  To learn of resources within the Four Corners Health Department district, contact us at www.fourcorners.ne.gov or toll-free at 877-337-3573.   

Four Corners Health Department encourages you to learn more about SIDS and the precautions to prevent it.  Together, we can help all children celebrate their first birthday.