SIDS Awareness: Health Officials Aim To Reduce Sleep-Related Infant Deaths

According to the Oklahoma Department of Health, the leading causes of death in babies from one month to 12 months are sleep-related infant deaths, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

With October being SIDS awareness month, pediatrician Dr. Scott Cyrus is here with details on how to prevent it.

"SIDS is one of the most tragic things in my career when I hear of a baby that has died under the age of one," Dr. Cyrus said. "We've made dramatic progress since the 'Back to Sleep' campaign in 1994, but we still lose about 3,700 children a year to unexpected death, and that's really concerning."

The ABCs of SIDS Prevention

Dr. Cyrus emphasized the importance of following the "ABCs" of safe sleep: Alone, Back, and Crib.

"The 'A' stands for alone - the only thing in the crib should be the baby," he explained. "The 'B' is back to sleep, and the 'C' is crib. It could be a bassinet, but it's their own space."

He stressed that babies should not share a bed with adults or other children, as this increases the risk of suffocation.

"I've lost two babies, one to a dad who thought, you know, maybe push the baby bed over, the baby won't fall off. But what happened is, that the baby fell down in the edge and just couldn't get out and suffocated. And then a mother who had the baby slept, fell asleep on the couch and fell between the couch and the mother and again, suffocated.," he shared.

Expanding the Guidelines

In addition to the ABCs, the American Academy of Pediatrics has expanded its recommendations to include a smoke-free, alcohol and drug-free environment, as well as the importance of prenatal care and breastfeeding.

"Drugs and alcohol can basically inhibit a lot of things, our whole consciousness," Dr. Cyrus said. "Prenatal care is so important now that if we can keep the babies from being premature, then it's important from that standpoint that they have a better way of living and surviving. Breastfeeding is extremely important."

Keeping Babies Warm In A Safe Way

As the weather turns colder, Dr. Cyrus advised against over-bundling babies, as this can also increase the risk of SIDS. He demonstrated a thin blanket that is suitable for swaddling, along with regular clothing like onesies or footie pajamas.

"It's important that we don't just, you know, put on layer after layer after layer, then wrap them in one blanket and wrap them in another blanket," he said.

The Importance of Education

Dr. Cyrus emphasized the critical need for education and vigilance to prevent SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths. "Educating our population is extremely important," he said.

By following the ABCs, maintaining a safe environment, and seeking proper prenatal care and breastfeeding support, parents and caregivers can help reduce the risk of these devastating tragedies.