Every day in the United States nearly 7 babies between the ages of 4months to 2 years will die of SIDS. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is very unexpected and leaves the parents wondering if they could of done something to prevent it.

What is SIDS?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is when a child, under one year, dies of unexplained causes. But in order to truly be considered SIDS there must be a complete investigation into the death, then if no cause is found, the death is classified as SIDS

About SIDS

The American Academy of Pediatrics has created a guide for parent's for safe sleeping of their baby. This is to help reduce the risk if SIDS in the United States.

Tip 1- Starting in pregnancy, you can reduce the risk of SIDS by not smoking and by not exposing your unborn baby to second-hand smoke.

Tip 2- Start prenatal care as soon as possible and be sure to see your doctor for regular prenatal checkups. This reduces the risk of having a low birth-weight, or premature baby.

Tip 3- Breastfeed your baby, if possible, through the first year.

Tip 4- ALWAYS place your baby to sleep on their back during naps, and at bedtime.

Tip 5- Make sure your baby is sleeping in a safety-approved crib with a firm mattress and well-fitted sheet. Cradles and bassinets may also be used, but make sure they are certified by the Juvenile Product Manufacturer's Association.

Tip 6- Do not place toys, soft bedding, pillows, heavy blankets or wedges in the baby's sleeping area.

Tip 7- Do not let your new baby get to hot, especially in the summer. Dress your baby lightly for sleep. If it is chilly at night, put baby in a one-piece sleeper that would keep him/her warm enough. Avoid using a blanket at bedtime.

Tip 8- 1 in 5 SIDS deaths will occur when baby is being cared for by someone other than their parents. Be sure your caregivers are aware of putting baby on their back to sleep.

By keeping yourself educated on the latest SIDS information you can help keep your baby from becoming a statistic of SIDS.