Saturday, January 19, 2013

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome


SIDS is sudden death of an infant under one year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation and autopsy.   To reduce the risk of SIDS it’s best to lay an infant on their back on a firm mattress, with nothing in the crib (no covers, pillows, or bumpers).  Also do not over-clothe an infant for bedtime and offer a pacifier.  Also do not expose an infant to people with respiratory infections, avoid crowds, and avoid exposure to tobacco products (cigarette smoke).  There is no prevention for SIDS, but these are ways to reduce the risk.  In Central Africa, SIDS tends to go unnoticed because of the high rate of infectious diseases and malnutrition of infants. 

Working in childcare I have become more aware of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).  I used to work in the infant classroom where it is a required for teachers to be certified in SIDS training.  Prior to working in childcare I had no idea what Sudden Infant Death Syndrome was and was completely shocked when I learned about it.  I will take what I have learned and continue to help train new infant teachers. 

1 comment:

  1. Hello Felecia

    Thank you for your post. It is critical for all adults supporting children to know about the risk and how to prevent SIDS. I do not work with infants of babies but I am pleased to hear that there was training related to SIDS available for caregivers.

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