October is Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness month. SIDS is the unexpected death of a baby under one year of age with no known cause and often occurs during sleep. There are multiple unknown risk factors such as respiratory infections, low birth weight, brain defects, and smoking, among others.
Here is what we do know and some tips on how to prevent it.
ABCs of Safe Sleep:
- A – Alone: Ensure the baby sleeps alone in their crib with no extra items. Avoid placing pillows, fluffy toys, stuffed animals, or extra padding in the crib.
- B – Back: Always place your baby on their back every time they are put to sleep, at least for the baby’s first year of life. Encourage others caring for your baby to follow this rule as well.
- C – Crib: The baby should sleep in their crib or bassinet on a firm mattress.
Additional tips to prevent SIDS:
- Co-bed sharing: Adult beds are not safe for infants. Instead, have the baby sleep in their own safe sleep space to reduce the risk of accidents.
- Overheating: Use a sleep sack instead of blankets to ensure that your baby stays comfortable without the risk of being overheated or covering their head.
- Breastfeeding: If possible, breastfeed your baby for at least six months.
- Pacifiers: Offering a pacifier during naps or bedtime may help reduce the risk of SIDS, but ensure it is not attached to any straps or cords.
- Smoking: If you smoke, try to avoid smoking indoors. Second and thirdhand smoke can be risk factors for SIDS.
- Tummy Time: Encouraging short periods of tummy time will help the baby increase muscle strength but remember to never leave the baby unattended during tummy time.
Helping Parents Fall in Love with Every Stage of their Child’s Life
The First Visitor program at Peak Vista Community Health Centers has been helping the Colorado Springs community for 30 years. It started in 1995 with volunteers who wanted to stop child abuse and neglect. First Visitor staff visit families to give support and teach parents. The program helps by offering social support, practical help such as case management, and quick help in emergencies. First Visitor connects families with community services and teaches parents about childcare and child development. The program also gives families things they need for their babies.
As the Colorado Springs community continues to grow, First Visitor remains committed to meeting the evolving needs of families through individual education and meaningful connections. The program hosts various group classes throughout the year, including Safe Sleep, Shaken Baby Syndrome, and Car Seat Safety classes.
First Visitor provides services to families regardless of their enrollment status within Peak Vista, and it is available in Colorado Springs, Fountain, Divide, Limon, and Strasburg.
Mayra Apresa is the Practice Manager of Community Based Practices & Programs and Peak Vista. To request a free home visit with First Visitor or to explore other services provided by Peak Vista, visit peakvista.org or call (719) 632-5700.
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