Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

SIDS (otherwise known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is a major worry for new parents, naturally.

With this in mind, Jilly Blankenship, a baby sleep consultant at Baby Sleep Made Simple, Neonatal Nurse, and mum has provided FQ with her expert advice around the topic.

1: Sleeping position

Babies that sleep on their backs have a 50% reduced risk of dying from SIDS compared with the stomach and side sleeping position. This makes back sleeping the single most important action that parents can take to keep their baby safe while sleeping.

2: Don’t Smoke

Smoking around a baby increases the risk of SIDS. Consider quitting or at least make sure you’re smoking away from the house.

3: Sleeping with baby on the sofa

This increases the chances of SIDS by around 50 times. Even when you’re so tired and napping on the sofa seems like the only option, ensure you don’t fall asleep with your baby for a prolonged period as this is a big risk.

4: Co-sleeping

Avoid having lots of loose bedding, keep the baby clear of pillows and other bedding that could cover their face. 

5: Toys in the crib

Many parents choose to do this, but loose items in the cot can cover a baby’s face and pose a huge SIDS risk.

6: Offer a pacifier

Sucking is a natural soother for babies and studies show that pacifier use decreases the risk of SIDS. Once breastfeeding is established, pacifier use should not compromise a healthy breastfeeding relationship. If you’re breastfeeding, you can try the MAM brand pacifier which resembles the shape of mum’s nipple.