Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death among infants age 1 month to 1 year. Nurses should inform caregivers about childcare practices that reduce the risk of SIDS, including: Place infant on the back to sleep on a firm surface every time. Infants should not share a bed with anyone. Avoid soft objects (eg, stuffed animals, pillows) in the infant’s bed. Nothing in the bed with the infant is safest.
Avoid bumper pads for the crib. Newer cribs do not require bumper pads because improved side rails prevent the infant’s head from getting stuck between slats (Option 4).
Maintain a smoke-free environment. Avoid overheating. Infants do not require more than one extra layer than adults require to be comfortable. Breastfeed and ensure immunizations are updated.
(Option 1) Using a pacifier during sleep is appropriate and has been associated with a reduced incidence of SIDS. Pacifiers should be delayed until after breastfeeding is well established.
(Option 2) A sleeper (“onesie”) or a sleeping sack and a comfortable room temperature reduce the need for a blanket, which could obstruct the infant’s mouth and/or nose.
(Option 3) Infants should sleep on a firm surface or mattress that fits the crib and is covered with a fitted sheet.
Educational objective: To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, infants should always be placed in their own bed, on their backs, and on a firm surface without loose bedding or toys.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death among infants age 1 month to 1 year. Nurses should inform caregivers about childcare practices that reduce the risk of SIDS, including: Place infant on the back to sleep on a firm surface every time. Infants should not share a bed with anyone. Avoid soft objects (eg, stuffed animals, pillows) in the infant’s bed. Nothing in the bed with the infant is safest.
Avoid bumper pads for the crib. Newer cribs do not require bumper pads because improved side rails prevent the infant’s head from getting stuck between slats (Option 4).
Maintain a smoke-free environment. Avoid overheating. Infants do not require more than one extra layer than adults require to be comfortable. Breastfeed and ensure immunizations are updated.
(Option 1) Using a pacifier during sleep is appropriate and has been associated with a reduced incidence of SIDS. Pacifiers should be delayed until after breastfeeding is well established.
(Option 2) A sleeper (“onesie”) or a sleeping sack and a comfortable room temperature reduce the need for a blanket, which could obstruct the infant’s mouth and/or nose.
(Option 3) Infants should sleep on a firm surface or mattress that fits the crib and is covered with a fitted sheet.
Educational objective: To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, infants should always be placed in their own bed, on their backs, and on a firm surface without loose bedding or toys.
