At Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny, we guide families with the most current SIDS research and prevention recommendations and encourage them to discuss it thoroughly with their caregivers. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby under one year, usually while she is sleeping. The exact cause is unknown but it may associated with brain defects in the area that controls breathing and arousal from sleep. SIDS is still the leading cause of death for U.S. babies from one month to one year.
Risk Factors
- Low birth weight and prematurity
- Respiratory infection
- Brain defects
- Infants ages 2-4 months are the most vulnerable
- Babies of color are at a higher risk than white babies of developing SIDS
- Boys are slightly more likely to die of SIDS
- Family history of SIDS
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
Maternal Risk Factors
Mothers who are younger than 20, smoke cigarettes, use drugs or alcohol, or do not have adequate prenatal care are at a higher risk for having a baby who develops SIDS. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to be aware of these risk factors and eliminate these behaviors whenever possible.
SIDS Prevention Methods
- Placing a baby on his back to sleep
- Use a firm mattress in an empty crib free of pillows and toys
- Use a sleep sack or swaddle to keep your baby warm
- Do not cover your baby’s head while he is sleeping
- Have your baby sleep in your room for at least the first 6 months, ideally for up to a year
- Smoke-free environment
- Pacifier use
- Breast-fed babies are at a lower risk of developing SIDS
- Immunizations
Parents should be aware of the risk factors of SIDS and understand the prevention methods to prepare a safe environment for their baby. Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny provides newborn care services to parents and education courses such as Sleep Coaching 101: Healthy and Safe Sleep Practices.
Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny Services
Night wakings can be exhausting for parents and lack of sleep can leave parents feeling scattered and foggy. An overnight newborn care expert provides care so sleep deprived parents can get a good night of sleep. Your baby needs sleep and so do you.
Daytime Newborn Care
Your Newborn Care Expert will care for your infant and create a stimulating environment that will help foster your baby’s development.
In-Home Consultant Visits
Our trained professionals can teach you how to best care for your baby. Many parents have questions about how to bathe their babies, how to swaddle, or a host of other questions. We also offer a variety of breastfeeding support and lactation services designed to help support and maximize your breastfeeding experience.
Baby Sleep Coaching
One in four children under the age of five has a sleep issue. Most children’s sleep issues are behavioral and not medical. If your child is struggling with sleep issues, you are not alone!
Nanny Placements
The care of your children is our highest priority. Connecting families with warm, responsible, and trustworthy caregivers is what we do best. Our team will meet with your family, identify qualified caregivers, and hand-select the best candidates for you to meet with.
