Baby Products Guru

There are few things more concerning to parents than Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). New parents in particular check their baby’s breathing frequently during sleep and it’s not uncommon to hear a parent say they just wanted to make sure the baby was “still breathing.” This is a normal reaction and not totally unwarranted. At a time when parents should be excited about decorating nurseries and discovering unique baby stores for adorable apparel and toys, their worries about potential problems such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome increases. Fortunately , there are easy steps parents can take to reduce the risk of SIDS and ensure that baby is sleeping in a low-risk environment:

• Back to Sleep: Always place baby on his back to sleep. Many babies prefer to sleep on their stomachs; however the risk of SIDS for stomach sleeping is 10 to 15 times higher than back sleeping. Because of this parents should be vigilant about placing baby on his back to sleep.
• No Blankets: As much as you want to wrap baby in a blanket, don’t! You can keep baby plenty warm in pajamas and by setting the temperature around 68 degrees. Your baby may be little but they are comfortable in the same amount of clothes you are. Try to resist the urge to over bundle baby with blankets. Babies actually sleep better in a cooler room kept between 61º F and 68º F, rather than a 72-75 degree range where most thermostats are set.
• Safe Sleeping Environment: Make sure your baby is sleeping in a safe place, such as a baby crib. But if he is on a grown up bed, ensure there are bed rails, pillows, or something that will keep baby from falling. Do not use pillows, blankets, toys, or anything that could suffocate baby. Avoid anything that could strangle baby, too, like cords on window blinds.
• Firm Mattress:  Babies who sleep in cribs should have very firm mattresses. This is very important. Don’t use any mattress that could put your baby at risk.

Over the last 25 years , the rate of SIDS has fallen by over 50 percent. Unfortunately , there are still about 2,500 deaths per year in the USA . But thanks to organizations such as the American SIDS Institute, who raises awareness and money for research, the tragedy of SIDS is lessening. Because of these continuing efforts, parents can focus more on the joys of parenthood —preparing for their new arrival, finding an online shopping mall for cute baby clothes, toys, and baby furniture, having parties—all the fun stuff, instead of experiencing anxiety about SIDS.