One of the most tragic things that can happen to a baby is SIDS: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, which is the unexplained death of an infant, often while sleeping. The good news is that there are several things you can do to decrease the risk of SIDS for your new baby.
The basics include:
- Put your baby to sleep on his/her back.
- Use a swaddle or sleep sack to keep your baby warm.
- Your baby should sleep in his/her own bed (crib/ cradle/ bassinet) (Check with the hotel where you will be staying or bring a portable crib with you.) There are recalls on many portable cribs – check Consumer Product Safety Commission for product recalls.
- Your baby's bed should have a firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet and no extra "stuff" (blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, bumper pads, etc.)
- Offer your baby a pacifier, particularly during sleep.
- If you smoke, try to quit. If you are having trouble quitting, at least smoke only outdoors and keep your house (hotel in the short-term) and car entirely smoke-free.
- Use a fan if possible.
- Keep the room cool, approximately 65 to 70 degrees.
