discipline
Reducing the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) , also called crib death, has been the subject of intense research for a number of years. While the exact cause is uncertain, SIDS involves a disturbance of breathing regulation during sleep. It is relatively rare, occurring in two or three out of every thousand newborns, most often between the first and sixth months, with a peak incidence between the second and third months. It is more common in the winter months, the reason for which remains unknown.
SIDS is more common in males with low birth weight and in premature infants of both sexes. Breast-fed babies, on the other hand, may have a reduced risk. In addition, some potential contributing factors to SIDS can be minimized by taking a few basic preventive measures:
Stay completely away from cigarettes during pregnancy , and don"t allow anyone to smoke in your home after your baby is born.
Lay your baby down on his back. For decades, child-care guidebooks recommended that new babies sleep on their stomachs, based on the assumption that this would prevent them from choking on any material they might unexpectedly spit up. However, recent evidence suggests that this position might be a risk factor for SIDS. Therefore, it is now recommended that a newborn be positioned on his back to sleep.
Exceptions to this guideline are made for premature infants, as well as for some infants with deformities of the face that might cause difficulty breathing when lying face up. In addition, your doctor may advise against the face up position if your baby spits up excessively. If you have any question about sleeping position, check with your baby"s doctor. Sometime after four months of age, your baby will begin rolling over on his own, at which point he will determine his own sleeping positions. By this age, fortunately, SIDS is extremely rare.
Put your baby to sleep on a safe surface. Don"t place pillows or any soft bedding material other than a fitted sheet under the baby. His head or face might become accidentally buried in the soft folds (especially if he happens to be face down), which could lead to suffocation. Sheepskin, down-mattresses, and feather beds pose a similar risk. For similar reasons don"t put your baby to sleep on a wavy waterbed or beanbag chair. Even on one of these plastic surfaces, a baby whose face shifts to the wrong position could suffocate.
Don"t over bundle your baby. Overcompensating for the cold of winter by turning up the thermostat and wrapping a baby in several layers of clothing should be avoided. If he looks or feels hot and sweaty, start peeling off layers until he appears more comfortable.
A few parents experience the terror of seeing their baby stop breathing, either momentarily or long enough to begin turning blue. It is obviously important in such cases to begin infant CPR and call 911 if he does not start breathing on his own. A careful evaluation by your doctor or at the emergency room is mandatory. It is also likely that this baby will be sent home with an apnea monitor, which will sound off if a breath is not taken after a specified number of seconds.
Parents who have suffered the loss of an infant for any reason must work through a profound grieving process. When SIDS is the cause, they may also feel a great sense of guilt as well as great anxiety over the safety of their other children. It is important that they obtain support from family, church, and if available, a local support group for families who have dealt with such a loss.
Background Information
Journey of No Return
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When Not To Discipline
Parents should recognize when they should and shouldn't discipline their children.
When You Feel Like Calling in the SWAT Team
Are your children constantly testing you? This classic parenting advice will help you regain the upper hand.
Questions and Answers
After I spank my child, she usually wants to hug me and make up, but I continue to be cool to her for a few hours. Do you think that is right?
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We'd like to be more unified in our approach, but how do we successfully move from two financial approaches to one?
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How long do you think a child should be allowed to cry after being punished? Is there a limit?
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I have never spanked my 3-year-old because I am afraid it will teach her to hit others and be a violent person. Do you think I am wrong?
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It just seems barbaric to cause pain to a defenseless child. Is it healthy to spank him or her?
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Stories
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Other Things to Consider
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It can do wonders for the frazzled parent to know what's going on in the mind of your little one.
Related Topics
Transitions: Having a Baby, Preparing for Adolescence
Life Pressures: Working Moms, Stay-At-Home Moms, Time for Family
Relationships: Parents and Adult Children, Blended Families
