Risk Factors
About 5,000 babies die in the United States each year.  SIDS does not
discriminate against any race, sex, religion, or financial status.  EVERYONE
is at risk!  Risk factors alone do not cause SIDS.  However, they can have
an adverse effect for healthy infant.  Static show that as many as two thirds
of SIDS Victims have no known risk facts.  In the same regards, many
babies with multiple risk factors will never become SIDS Victims.
What can be done to Prevent SIDS?
It is important that we stress there is NO WAY to totally prevent SIDS from
happen.  In order to do that we must have an understanding of what actually
causes SIDS.  So until that day arrive a few guideline have been established
which have reduced the number of SIDS cases.
Back to sleep- Babies who are put to sleep on their back or supine have the
lowest risk of falling victim to SIDS.  When a baby is on his/her back there is less
chance of suffocation, air is able to pass freely over the baby.

Stop Smoking-According to a recent study by the National Center for Health
Statistics found that smoking during pregnancy puts your child at a higher risk of
SIDS The study also showed that babies exposed to second hand smoke are
twice as likely to die from SIDS Mothers who smoke both during and after
pregnancy triple their babies chances of becoming victims of SIDS.  

Proper Bedding- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission advises
against the use of such items as beanbag cushions, sheepskins, foam pads, foam
sofa cushions, synthetic filled adult pillows, comforters, crib bumper pads, and
water beds.  A firm, flat mattress in a safety approved crib for their baby’s sleep.  

Maintain Consistent Temperatures- Avoid overheating.  Try to avoid too much
clothing, heavy bedding, or a room that is too warm.  All of these may greatly
increase the risk of SIDS.  Signs such as sweating, damp hair, heat rash, rapid
breathing, restlessness and even fever may be signs of over heating.  Room
Temperatures should be maintained between 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Proper Prenatal Care- Good prenatal care with open communication with your
doctor will not only keep you healthy but ensure a healthy delivery and a healthy
baby.  




Stomach Sleeping- Babies who are put on their tummy to sleep are at a higher
risk.  There is a national campaign for SIDS awareness called Back to Sleep.

Smoking- Parents who smoke double or even triple their babies risk for SIDS.

Maternal Age - The younger the mother the higher the risk.

Sexes of the Infant – Boys are higher risk than girls.

Baby’s Age- SIDS occurs more frequently in babies two to four months old.
Approximately 90% of babies who die of SIDS are less than six months old.

Prematurely- Babies who are born premature fall into many different risk factors.
Two of which are suppressed immune systems and low birth weights.

Multiple Births- These babies also fall into several risk factors.  They are often
born premature.  They normally have a lower birth weight.  
Risk Factors