What You Need to Know About SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is something that as a neonatal nurse is close to my heart and I hope that one day every parent can fully understand the importance of a safe sleeping environment for their child. Each year in Australia there are over 3500 families who experience the devastation of sudden and very unexpected death of a baby of a child. Either through stillbirth or during the first month of life – From Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Sudden Unexpected Death in childhood (SUDC).

SIDS and Kids is an amazing website that campaign in conjunction with researchers from Australia and internationally to provide up to date information about the evidence to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and fatal sleeping accidents.

The evidence from their extensive research is simple and easy to follow; here are the basics.

First and foremost your baby needs a smoke free environment.

Safe Sleeping

Your baby is safest in their own cot or bed

For the first six to twelve months of live, a child should sleep in their parents room.

A cot that meets the current Australian standards must be used

A firm, clean and flat mattress

Your baby should sleep on their back

Position your baby at the bottom of the cot with blankets tucked in firmly

No toys in the cot

Safe Wrapping

Your baby should be wrapped in a breathable fabric tucked in firmly below their chest, or a sleeping bag

Dress baby and use layers as you would dress or use layers yourself: to be comfortable, neither too hot nor too cold

Dress baby for sleep and add/remove lightweight blankets to ensure baby’s chest feels comfortably warm to the touch

Remove hats, bonnets and hooded clothing from baby’s head as soon as baby is indoors.

Tummy time

Tummy time for your baby is so important for their development, however it is even more important to never leave your baby unattended while they are on their Stomach as they may fall asleep and their breathing muscles will not work as efficiently.

These tips are all so easy to achieve, and there is overwhelming evidence for each point, but if you have any questions please contact Me, or the amazing Go Ask Mum and Mums Lounge team because we are passionate about SIDS and safety of babies.