IntroductionOne important objective of the Healthy People 2020 initiative is to “increase the percentage of healthy full-term infants who are put down to sleep on their backs” (healthypeople.gov, 2010). According to the Back to Sleep campaign, and many others like it, one of the easiest ways to reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (a.k.a. SIDS, or the unexplained, sudden death of an infant less than one-year-old while sleeping) is to place babies on their backs to sleep―for a rest, a nap or the night; it is the number one way to prevent SIDS in your baby!

BACKGROUND & STATS

ALWAYS place your baby onhis back.

NEVER place your baby on hisstomach or side.

Research shows that moms and caregivers choose stomach or back positions because they think their baby will be more comfortable, or that their baby may vomit and choke if lying on her back.

FACT: This fear has not been proven valid since the Back to Sleep campaign was launched in 1992 (Maindonald, 2005).

FACT: Studies show that babies who sleep on their backs have significantly lower risks of colic, ear infection, stuffy nose, and fever – and that all of these things may further reduce risk of SIDS (Maindonald, 2005).

Good vs. Bad Positions

FACTOID #1:

For optimal baby safety, put your baby to sleep on a firm surface or mattress, on his or her back, in an empty crib.

FACTOID #2:

Research shows that babies sleeping in the same room with mom have reduced risk of SIDS. However, never keep your baby in the bed with you. Keep the crib or bassinet next to the bed.

FACTOID #3:

Don’t be fooled into thinking that because your baby is healthy, he’s not at risk for SIDS. Even healthy babies die of SIDS when they cannot breathe.

BABY’S GOT BACK? KAISER PERMANENTE: “ON THE GO” MOBILE PHONE BROCHURE NO. 1, VOL. 1

Since the inception of the Back to Sleepprogram, SIDS related deaths havedecreased dramatically. But SIDS still killsnearly 5000 infants each year in the USand Canada (Nuring, 2005). The exact cause of SIDs is unknown. Current thinking suggests that certain environmental conditions combined with delayed development of the brain center that controlsrespiratory function is responsible for thecondition.

The good news – SIDS can beprevented with good practices. It’sthat simple!

AdditionalRecommendations

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CUTE? EASY? NO EXCUSES!

Did you know that in the U.S., SIDS accounts for 25% of infant deaths - infants that are between 2 and 6 months old, in fact, seemingly healthy and well-nourished (Nursing, 2005). Any mother should be alarmed, and all mothers should do what they can to prevent SIDS from taking their new baby, a condition that still kills 5000 babies annually in the U.S. and Canada (Nursing, 2005). There really is no excuse worth the risk: in no way should easier access to your baby, seemingly more comfortable baby sleep patterns or cultural beliefs sway you into putting your baby in any other position than on his or her back. No excuse, make sure your Baby’s Got Back!

TOP TIPS & TRICKS Give “Tummy Time” to your baby when s/he is awakePull blankets no higher than the baby’s chest and tuck the sides in under the mattressPut your baby in a crib, bassinet or cradle next to your bed but not in your bedDon’t smoke around your baby, ever

Prevent overheating by dressing your baby in light sleeping clothes for bed time

FOR ANYONE AROUND THE CRIB

Data suggest that a baby's airway is compromised when placed in a prone sleeping position. This might be due to a reduction in the swallowing rate and airway protective reflexes with no subsequent increase in the baby's arousal (Pediatrics, 1999). As one might imagine, a baby would have a severe reduction in oxygen and no one would hear a sound.

Make sure your child care provider, babysitters, daycare operators, nurses and others who will be tending to your baby knows the truth about SIDS. Lots of people still do not know about SIDS or what causes it. Be sure to educate your friends, family and partners about the causes and important prevention measures being taken to combat SIDS. You can help save a baby and a family today.

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Survey Quiz

Try the “Baby Burrito” method today :)

Soft bedding, pillows and toys canimpede your baby’s breathing. They can coveryour baby’s nose, mouth and head whilesleeping. Wipe out SIDS. Make your baby’ssleep environment safe by following these recommendations:

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The Crib: Use a crib, bassinet or cradle for baby andkeep it next to your bed. The crib shouldmeet safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission

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The Mattress:Use a firm mattress. Never let your babysleep on a soft mattress, pillow, couch or anyother soft surface.

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The Bedding:Keep all loose bedding, blankets, pillows, memory foam etc. out of the crib. Do not use these to position your baby or prevent flat spots. Use a sleep sack to keep your baby warm if needed.

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Don’t Fret Flat Spots:Providing supervised “tummy time”prevents flat spots and strengthens baby’smuscles.

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Remember:Side lying positions are never safe and are never advised. The most recent guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics advocate back positioning for every sleep (Moos, 2006).

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A little “Tummy Time”

References

Ariagno, R.L., Mirmiran, M., Adams, M.M., Saporito, A.G., Dubin, A.M., & Baldwin, R.B. (2003). Effect of position on sleep, heart rate variability, and QT interval in preterm infants at 1 and 3 months’ corrected age. Pediatrics, 111(3), 622-25.

Baby Department. (2010). Found at http://www.thebabydepartment.com/nursery/crib-safety-standards.aspx

Colson, E.R., Stille, C.J., Payton, J., Bernstein, B., & Dworkin, P. (2000). Not yet ‘Back to Sleep’: sleep position for infants in two inner-city clinics. Ambulatory Child Health, 6(4), 269-75.

Disney. (2010). Babyzone. Found at http://www.babyzone.com/askanexpert/tummy-time-101/

Gessner, B.D., Ives, G.C., & Perham-Hester, K.A. (2001). Association of sudden infant death syndrome and prone sleep position, bed sharing, and sleeping outside an infant crib in Alaska. Pediatrics, 108(4), 923-27.

Goetter , M.C. & Flanders-Stepans, M.B. (2005). First-time mothers’ selection of infant supine sleep position. Journal of Perinatal Education, 14(4), 16-23. doi: 10.1624/105812405X72294

Jeffery, H.E., Megevand, A., Page, H & M., (1999). Why the prone position is a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome, Pediatrics 104(2), 263-69.

Maindonald, E. (2005). Helping parents reduce the risk of SIDS. Nursing 2005, 35(7), 50-52. Moon, R.Y. & Oden, R.P. (2004). Back to sleep: can we influence child care providers? Pediatrics, 112(4), 878-82.

Moon, R.Y., Oden, R.P. , & Grady, K.C. (2004). Back to sleep: an educational intervention with women, infants, and children program clients. Pediatrics, 113(3), 542-47.

Moos, M.K. (2006). Responding to the newest evidence about SIDS. AWHONN, The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, 10(2), 163-6.

Ongoing education about safe sleep practices to prevent SIDS (2008, September) , Patient Education Management, 15(9), 97-108. Retrieved from http:// www.achmedia.com/online.html