It’s every parent’s nightmare to lose their child to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, otherwise knows as SIDS.  As parents, there are things that we could do and measures we could take, to reduce the possibility of this happening.  Once known as ‘crib death’ because the infant would be found dead after being put to bed with no signs of suffering, SIDS is the last thing any parent wants to face.

So what can we do?  First and foremost, educate ourselves about SIDS and learn about things we could do, in our power, to reduce the risk of SIDS .  Also, passing on information to other parents and caregivers about SIDS.

Halo Innovations, makers of the Sleepsack is joining the fight against SIDS.  They recently launched a campaign on their Facebook to spread the message about SIDS.  On their facebook page, you can test your Safe Sleep IQ quiz and send Safe Sleep Tips to your friends. 

By following these simple steps, parents and caregivers can help their baby survive and thrive:

• Place your baby to sleep on his or her back at naptime and night time.
• Use a safety approved crib with a firm, tight-fitting mattress.
• Remove all soft bedding and toys from your baby’s sleep area (this includes loose blankets, bumpers and positioners).
• Use a SleepSack™ wearable blanket to replace loose blankets in your baby’s crib.
• DO NOT put your baby to sleep on any soft surface (sofas, chairs, water beds, quilts, sheep skins, etc.).
• Room sharing is safer than bed sharing.
• DO NOT dress your baby too warmly for sleep; keep room temperature between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
• DO NOT let anyone smoke around your baby or be in a room where someone has recently smoked.
• Educate relatives, baby sitters and other caregivers about these important safety tips.
• Tummy time is important for babies while they are awake and being supervised. Place your baby on his or her tummy for playtime to help strengthen their upper body muscles.

Help raise awareness about SIDS and spread the word.  There is nothing more scarier to a parent than to see their child lifeless.  I myself, check on my baby multiple times during her naptime, just to hear her breath.  Let’s join in the fight to reduce the risk of SIDS, so that parents do not have to face the harsh reality of losing a child.