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MILWAUKEE (10/12/2007) - Although the national rate of sudden infant death syndrome has declined by 50 percent over the past 10 years, there still is significant room for improvement in Wisconsin and throughout the nation.
To increase public awareness and promote the reduction of risk factors associated with SIDS, Governor James Doyle has declared October SIDS Awareness Month in Wisconsin.
SIDS continues to be the leading cause of death in infants ages 1 month to 1 year. Each year in the U.S., approximately 2,000 infants die as a result of SIDS. Researchers have been able to identify risk factors for SIDS. For example, we know a safe sleep environment reduces the risk of SIDS. According to a study published in the September 2007 issue of The Journal of Pediatrics, researchers found that the risk of accidental death or injury to an infant from using crib bumpers outweighs any possible benefits.
Everyone who cares for a baby can provide a safe environment by following these recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
-Place babies to sleep on their backs for naps and bedtime.
-Use a firm crib mattress covered by a fitted sheet.
-Use a one-piece sleeper or other warm clothes instead of blankets.
-Keep soft objects and loose bedding out of cribs. Pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys and other soft objects should be kept out of cribs – as they can be a hazard to a baby.
-Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime. It should be used when placing an infant down for sleep and should not be reinserted once the infant falls asleep. It should not be coated with a sweet solution, should be cleaned often and replaced regularly. To establish a breastfeeding routine, wait until babies are 1 month old before offering a pacifier.
-Keep cigarette smoke away from babies.
-Have babies sleep in properly assembled cribs in parents' bedrooms or nearby. Babies should not sleep in the same bed as their parent(s) or siblings.
-Check and double-check assembled cribs to assure all parts are present and installed correctly.
-No one should sleep with a baby on a couch or in an armchair.
-When awake, encourage "tummy time" by placing babies on their tummies for periods of time. Do not leave babies alone.
-Avoid having babies spend long periods of time in a car seat carrier or "bouncer."
-Make sure all who care for babies (child care providers, relatives, friends, babysitters) use these safe sleep recommendations.
-Avoid products designed to reduce the risk of SIDS such as a wedge. Although various devices have been developed to maintain sleep position or reduce the risk of re-breathing, none has been tested sufficiently to show efficacy or safety.
"Friends and family members of expectant parents can help create a safe sleep environment by giving gifts like one-piece sleepers, cribs that meet federal safety standards with firm mattresses that fit the crib and fitted sheets for the mattress," said Anne Harvieux, Infant Death Center of Wisconsin program administrator. Other gifts to support a safe environment include cabinet locks, electrical outlet covers, smoke alarms and batteries. The following items can be hazardous for babies: stuffed toys, comforters, quilts, heavy blankets, bumper pads, sheepskins, baby pillows and baby wedges.
IDCW staff members provide education and training programs for health care professionals, police and fire departments (first response teams) and the general community. IDCW facilitates collaborative efforts to improve infant health and reduce infant mortality.
The IDCW provides bereavement support to families who experience a sudden and unexpected infant death. For more information on regional offices or other information about sudden and unexpected, visit www.idcw.org or call (414) 266-2743.
The Infant Death Center of Wisconsin is funded by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, a MCH Title V Services Block Grant, through the Maternal Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services and private donations.
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