October is SIDS awareness month. Thankfully the number of death is declining, but SIDS still claims the lives of almost 2,500 babies every year. The way to keep lowering this number is to raise awareness and help parents to keep their children safe as possible in their cribs. I have a second cousin who lost a baby to SIDS. She reminded me not to be so careless, so that’s one reason why I wanted to post on SIDS.
What is SIDS?
SIDS stands for Sudden infant death syndrome. SIDS is the unexplained death of an infant younger than 1 year. The peak age for SIDS is between 2 and 3 months of age. Although the exact cause for SIDS is unknown, there are ways to protect your infant from SIDS.
Bill Schmid founded Halo after he and his wife Cathy lost their baby to SIDS. Halo’s mission is simple: to make sure that every baby sleeps safely. Halo Sleep Sack is a proud supporter of SIDS Awareness and they have a facebook page dedicated to helping bring awareness to parents. 
About Halo Sleep Sack:
Halo SleepSacks are the #1 choice of parents and experts because of their safety features:
Sleeveless
Reduces the risk of rebreathing into the sleeve and overheating.
Inverted Zipper
Baby cannot unzip and the zipper will not catch on his/her chin. Makes diaper changing easier.
Flame-Resistant
Tested to meet US children’s sleepwear flame-resistant standards.
Sack Design
Generous fit allow baby to move and kick promoting health hip development. Keeps baby warm and safe all night long.
Back is Best Logo
Embroidered design reminds caregivers to put the baby to sleep on his/her back.
The CJ Foundation for SIDS is a national charity that educates parents and caregivers about providing a safe-sleeping environment in an effort to reduce the number of SIDS tragedies.
aden + anais is the proud sponsor of the Sleep in Safety, Grown in Style campaign with the CJ Foundation for SIDS.
SLEEP IN SAFETY, GROW IN STYLE campaign aims to educate and raise public awareness about what constitutes a safe sleep environment for infants and how to set up precautionary safe sleeping environments for babies that can cost less, be beautiful and comforting, grow with your child, and most importantly – significantly reduce the risk of sleep related infant deaths.
Steps to Take to keep your baby safe
1. Always lay your baby to sleep face up. Side and tummy positions are not safe; check with your doctor if your baby has breathing problems.
2. Don’t smoke while pregnant and never smoke near your infant. While pregnant or considering pregnancy do not smoke. Never let others smoke near your baby. Smoking is a major risk factor for SIDS.
3. Don’t let your baby get too hot. Overheating is a leading risk factor for SIDS. Dress your baby in as much or as little as you would wear. If your baby is sweating, has damp hair, or a heat rash, he or she may be too hot. Room fans have been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. Consider using a wearable blanket or
other type of sleeper instead of using a blanket.
4. Lay your baby to sleep in an approved crib, on a firm mattress. Do not let the baby sleep on soft things, like a couch, pillow, sheepskin, foam pad, or waterbed. Remove all loose bedding, stuffed animals, and pillows from crib. Crib bumpers are not recommended and can be hazardous.
5. Create a healthy lifestyle for you and your baby. When pregnant, see your doctor often and do not use drugs or alcohol. Talk with your doctor about changes in your baby and how your baby acts.
6. If possible, breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.
7. Offer your baby a pacifier at all sleep times. Pacifiers have been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.
8. Put your baby on his or her tummy to play when your baby is awake and supervised. Make sure someone is always watching. “Tummy Time” is good for your baby because it makes neck and shoulder muscles stronger.
9. Don’t share sleep surfaces. Adult beds, couches, and chairs are not safe for infant sleep and increase the risk of SIDS, suffocation and accidental infant death. After feeding, put your baby back in his or her crib.
10. Share these tips with everyone who cares for your baby. Education is the key to keeping your baby safe.
To Learn More, check out The CJ Foundation for SIDS and these other sites:
First Candle/SIDS Alliance
Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality Programs
American SIDS Institute
SIDS Alliance of Northern California
SIDS Network
American Association of SIDS Prevention Physicians
Tomorrow’s Child: Michigan SIDS Alliance
SIDS Prevention Recommendations
Thank you for sharing this article. My husband works in law enforcament and it is heart breaking to hear stories of this happening to families.