Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, is the sudden, unexplained death of a baby who is younger than 1 years old. It’s something that many new parents fear, especially because there is often no rhyme or reason for why it happens.
That said, there are some risk factors that appear to raise the risk for SIDS. These include the following:
- Sleeping on the tummy (Back is best)
- Overheating while sleeping
- Soft surface (blankets, pillows, etc.)
- Premature or low birth weight
- Mothers who smoke
- Exposure to passive smoke
- Young mothers (under 20 years old)
- Little or no prenatal care
- Siblings who have died from SIDS
Can Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Be Prevented?
While the cause of SIDS is unknown, experts believe that it has something to do with low levels of oxygen, the baby’s inability to arouse from sleep or a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood. For these reasons, it’s recommended for babies to sleep on their backs, on a firm surface and without any blankets or stuffed animals.
At the Butterflies and Birdies Foundation, we know how scary SIDS can be for new parents, especially if they already lost a baby due to SIDS or a stillbirth. But we all know how important sleep is for everyone in the household!
To help new parents, our foundation donates Owlet Smart Sock Monitors. This is one of the best SIDS prevention products because it tracks heart rate and oxygen levels in infants. If these levels fall outside the normal range, an alert is sounded. The sock is worn comfortably on baby’s foot.
Should I Be Using SIDS Prevention Products?
Products like the Owlet Smart Sock are worth every penny and offer peace of mind to new parents. If you’re concerned about SIDS, we highly recommend this product. It’s intuitive, so it won’t cause unnecessary fear and panic. It also works with your smartphone so that you can easily track your baby’s vitals.
To learn more about receiving an Owlet Smart Sock or donating them to parents who are worried about sudden infant death syndrome, please contact us today.
Make a Donation
Your generous contribution will help many families who have been directly or indirectly affected by the loss of a child. Any amount is greatly appreciated.