JOHNSTOWN — The following is for the Fulton County Public Health Department, according to a news release.
October was Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness month. SIDS, is a sudden and silent medical disorder that is associated with the time that a baby is sleeping. SIDS can happen to any child even when they seem healthy. SIDS is the leading cause of death among babies between 1 month and 1 year of age. At this time, there is not an exact cause known for SIDS.
The risk factors for SIDS can include:
∫ Babies sleeping on their stomachs.
∫ Babies sleeping on soft surfaces, such as adult mattresses, couches, and chairs.
∫ Babies sleeping on or under soft or loose bedding.
∫ Babies who get too hot while sleeping.
∫ Babies who are exposed to cigarette smoke in the womb or in their environment.
∫ Babies who sleep in bed with parents or other siblings especially if the person they are sleeping with is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The ways to reduce SIDS include:
∫ Always placing baby on their back to sleep.
∫ Use of a firm, flat sleeping surface in a safety-approved crib.
∫ Breastfeeding the baby.
∫ Sharing a room with your baby, keeping the baby close to the bed in a bassinet.
∫ No soft objects, toys, or loose bedding in the baby’s sleep area.
∫ No cigarette smoke in the home or around the baby.
∫ Give baby a pacifier at night and during naps.
∫ Vaccinate the baby.
For more information on safe sleep, feel free to visit https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/ or call FCPH at (518) 736-5720.
