SIDS and Daycare: Parents Should Be Sure Caregivers Know SIDS Safety

Since the launch of a Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) campaign, the number of incidents has dropped dramatically. Still, about 2,500 baby deaths are attributed to SIDS each year. One in five deaths occur when an infant is in the care of someone other than a parent, according to research conducted by the journal Pediatrics.

What does this statistic mean for parents? Simply put, be sure that any caregiver watching your child (this includes grandparents, babysitters, daycare workers, friends and in-home providers) are familiar with SIDS safety. It's particularly important to have a direct conversation with the caregiver about do's and don't's, especially since recommendations of how an infant should be put to sleep has changed over the years due to SIDS.

Things to tell a caregiver about SIDS safety:

• Always place a baby to sleep on his back...no exceptions. This means to never place a child to sleep on her side either.



• Don't place toys, blankets or covers in the crib. Dress a child for appropriate warmth (and not too hot) and covers are not needed for the first year.



• It's now actually recommended to give your child a pacifier at night and naps during her first year.



• Make sure the crib mattress is firm and tight-fitting.

Child experts urge parents to post SIDS Safety Rules by a child's crib in the nursery for any caregivers to see as an additional reinforcement.