Any infant may be affected by SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, regardless of whether risk factors are present. However, many babies that do die from SIDS had at least one if not more than one risk factor present. The following are some risk factors of SIDS that parents should be aware of. Being able to avoid some of these risk factors or completely eliminating them could save your baby’s life.
Age
Infants between one and six months old are most likely to be affected by SIDS. Parents should be extra cautious during this age range to ensure their infant is safe and sound.
Race
For reasons still unknown, more Indian and black babies die from SIDS. This could be a result of cultural practices or other reasons that have yet to be determined.
Sex
Male infants are more likely than girl infants to die of SIDS.
Low Birth Weight
Infants that are born with low birth weight or who are premature are more likely to die of SIDS.
Stomach Sleeping
Stomach sleeping babies are more likely to die of SIDS and that’s why the “Back to Sleep Campaign” was established. Putting a baby to sleep on his back is the safest way for baby to sleep and should always be followed.
Winter Babies
Infants born during the cooler months are more susceptible to SIDS for reasons still unknown.
Smoke
Infants born to mothers who smoke or infants exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to die of SIDS. That’s why it is so important for women to stop smoking before becoming pregnant and for baby to never be exposed to smoke.