Kansas State Child Death Review Board Promotes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness
June 1, 2007 -- The birth of a child is an amazing and joyous experience. A new parent’s first priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of their new baby. Unfortunately, a condition known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) can turn this time of joy into tragedy.SIDS is the sudden, unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant under the age of one year whose death remains unexplained after the performance of a complete postmortem investigation. This investigation includes an autopsy, an examination of the death scene and a review of clinical history.
According to State Child Death Review Board (SCDRB), in 2004 there were 38 SIDS deaths, the majority of which were males. From 1994 to 2004, the SCDRB has reviewed 423 SIDS deaths.
SIDS occurs in all socio-economic, racial and ethnic groups. At this time there is no known way to prevent SIDS, but there are steps parents and caregivers can take to reduce the risk.
The SCDRB urges all new parents, relatives, baby-sitters and other caregivers to become aware of these important safety tips:
- Infants should be placed to sleep in a supine position (on the back).
- A separate, but proximate sleeping environment is recommended. Bed sharing with adults or other siblings should be avoided.
- A safety-approved crib with a firm, tight fitting mattress should be used. Soft materials such as pillows, quilts, comforters, or sheepskins should not be placed with the infant.
- Use sleep clothing, such as sleeping sacks designed to keep the infant warm instead of bedding, which could overheat the infant or cover the baby’s head.
- Keep room temperatures between 68 - 72 degrees.
- Pacifier use during sleep reduces the risk of SIDS, but should not be forced upon an infant or reinserted once the infant falls asleep.
- Obtain an evaluation/recommendation from a medical professional before using devices marketed at reducing SIDS.
- Smoking during pregnancy is a major risk factor and should be avoided.
By taking these simple steps parents can reduce the likelihood that their child will become a victim of SIDS. For more information on SIDS, call the SIDS Network of Kansas at 1-866-399-7437, or visit them online at http://www.angelfire.com/ks/sidsnetworkofkansas/ .
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The SCDRB is a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency board that examines the circumstances surrounding the deaths of all Kansas children (birth through 17 years of age) and children who are not Kansas residents, but who die in the state. The goals of the SCDRB are to describe the trends and patterns of child deaths in Kansas, to develop prevention strategies, and to improve sources of data and communication among agencies. The Board works toward lowering child deaths in Kansas through research, education, and legislation.
For additional information, visit the SCDRB Web site at http://www.ksag.org, or contact Angela Nordhus, Executive Director, at (785) 296-7970.