SIDS info

A preliminary study found that it might be possible to screen newborns for SIDS risk with a hearing test. It has to do with the functioning of the inner ear. Since the inner ear is involved in maintaining infants' breathing during sleep, it is believed that damage to the inner ear during delivery might affect that process. More research is needed to determine the validity of the theory but it is nice to see some progress as SIDS, for the most part, has remained a mystery.

The kind folks at WebMD posted the following 11 tips to help prevent SIDS:

1. Always put babies to sleep on their backs - for naps and at night.
2. Place the baby on a firm sleep surface.
3. Keep soft objects and loose bedding out of the baby's sleep area.
4. Don't smoke while you're pregnant.
5. Don't smoke or allow smoking around your baby.
6. Don't share your bed or couch with your baby during sleep.
7. Consider offering your baby a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.
8. Don't let your baby overheat during sleep.
9. Avoid products that claim to reduce SIDS risk.
10. Don't use home monitors as a way to reduce SIDS risk. (There is no proof that monitors decrease the occurrence of SIDS.)
11. Reduce the chance that flat spots will develop on your baby's head by providing "tummy time" when your baby is awake and someone is watching, changing the direction that your baby lies in the crib, and avoiding too much time in car seats, carriers, and bouncers.