1. SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS)

2. SIDS FACTS  SIDS claims the lives of almost 3,000 infants in the U.S. each year  Nearly 9 babies every day  Occurs unexpectedly & quickly to apparently healthy infants, usually during their sleep  Most victims are between 2 & 4 months of age

3.  SIDS occurs in families of all races & socioeconomic levels  SIDS can not be predicted or prevented  SIDS is NOT caused by suffocation, choking, immunizations or vaccinations. It is not contagious, nor is it a result of neglect or child abuse  It can, & does, claim any baby, in spite of parents doing everything right  CJ Foundation for SIDS

4. Risk Factors  Born to a teen mother  Lacking prenatal care  Exposed to tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs (especially cocaine) before birth  Born more than 2 weeks premature

5.  Born at low birth weight (less than 5 ½ lbs.)  Part of a multiple birth  Having an older sibling who died of SIDS  Being male

6. Six Steps to Reduce the Risk  1.Make sure baby sleeps on it’s back  2. No smoking near baby  3. Make sure baby doesn’t get too hot  4. Use a firm mattress-NO pillows or waterbeds  5. Take good care of mom & baby-Get prenatal care, NO drugs or alcohol, talk to the doctor  6. Breast feed baby CJ Foundation for SIDS