What Exactly Causes Sids?

One of the biggest fears for new parents is the possibility of SIDS or sudden infant death syndrome affecting their baby. Being that SIDS is still claiming thousands of babies lives each year, there is a genuine concern by new parents. The worst aspect of the SIDS situation is that there is no 'specific' cause for the disease, although there is a lot of speculative thought, there is no actual known cause. So as parents or potential parents, we need to arm ourselves with as much knowledge and information about the things we do know, that will help protect against SIDS.

Are Bacterial Infections Responsible?

There is a potential link to bacteria as being a contributing factor because of unusually high levels of two types of bacteria, consistently found in the bodies of infants who had died from the sudden infant death syndrome. These bacteria are commonly known as 'E Coli" and "Staph". So these steps will help you battle against the chances of baby getting a bacterial infection:

1.Breastfeeding. The breast milk from mom contains natural antibodies that strengthen your baby's resistance to bacteria and infection.

2.Always sterilize. It is important to make sure that baby bottles and spoons, and anything else that comes into contact with the mouth, should be sterilized. You can sterilize things by boiling them in water, microwaving them, or using sterilization tablets, and freezing things works as well.

3.Be careful when making solid food for infants. Always make sure that your vegetables are thoroughly washed before cooking them. Another solid food item that should be washed before cooking is meat.

Covering of The Infant's Airway

When your infant is sleeping in the same bed as other members of the family, there is a higher risk of the baby having it’s airway covered during sleep. To reduce these possibilities, it is better for your infant to sleep in their own space, without others.

Sleeping Position Is Important

One of the findings of various SIDS reports, is there seems to be a higher instance of death, in babies who have been put down on their tummy. Although still relatively unclear, it is thought that being on the tummy, allows the airway to become covered. Make sure when you put your baby down for a nap, or sleep, that they are lying on their back.

Excessive Bedding Can Be A Problem

Having bedding that is too large or bulky, can also cause covering of the airway. Making sure that your bed linen and coverings only just fit the mattress snugly, will reduce the chances of this happening. Removing any soft toys and other items from the cot will also eliminate the airway being covered by something like this.

Quit Smoking Around Baby

Another unfortunate finding, was that babies who had succumbed to SIDS, had really high levels of nicotine present in the system. Even the slightest indicator of nicotine being present, should be enough of a warning about the dangers in exposing your baby to any form of cigarette smoke. Remember to quit smoking for the pregnancy, no matter how hard it may be. Demand that no other smokers, smoke in the presence of baby, and make sure that baby doesn’t come into contact with any items that may have absorbed nicotine.

Having Adequate Ventilation Indoors

Poor ventilation can cause mold, and mold has been known to cause lung problems, even in healthy adults. Being that adults can be affected this way, imagine the devastation it could cause to an undeveloped lung of a baby. Make sure that your home ventilation system is always running as it should. By doing this, you almost eliminate any chance of unwanted mold developing in your home.

As well as the guidelines above, you should also consider using a baby movement monitor to keep your infant monitored when you can't be around. The monitors will alert you at any time they detect non-movement in the baby zone, within a particular time period. You are then able to intervene if you need to.

To find out more about Sids as well as how to mimize risks using a Baby Movement Monitor, please visit my own blog BestBabyMovementMonitors.com.