This is a picture of my new grandson. Today he is only 1 week old. My family, just like all other families with new babies is very aware of Sids. We lost a child from Sids years ago when my sister awoke to find her son dead in his crib. There is no more painful loss than to lose your child. At the time I said it felt like the whole family had broken hearts that would never be whole again.
A new study suggests that there are things parents and caregivers can do to greatly cut the risk of Sids. The first and most important thing is to lay babies on their backs, this alone is said to cut the risk of Sids by 51%. The next thing is to turn a fan on in the babies room. This cuts the risk by 72%, using a pacifier cuts it further to about 94%. This is especially true when the room temperature is over 69%. Having an open window cuts it even further, although that has not been proven yet as a factor.
They think that Sids occurs when there are things around the baby’s mouth and nose that block the circulation of fresh air and as a result get a build up of carbon dioxide. That is why you should lay the baby on his back. My nephew died at almost 2 years of age. He was by then of course turning over by himself, however there was a bumber guard on the crib and his blanket. She found him in the corner of his crib he positioned himself with these too close to his face. Mind you this was years ago before they knew as much as they do now. I take from this personal experience that it’s better to leave out the bumber guard and blanket, and just dress the child in very warm sleepers till he’s older.
Don’t forget also that the people who care for your baby such as daycare centers and babysitters need to know this and follow the correct sleeping rules you have set down for your baby. NEVER assume that because they are professionals that they automatically do this.