Media Release

Contact: Kelly Nettnin 252.475.5036 kellyn@darenc.com

For Immediate Release: 10/17/2012

October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, and the Dare County Department of Public Health wishes to increase the awareness of this syndrome for parents and caregivers of babies between the ages of one month to one year, and to provide information to help decrease the risk of SIDS.

SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby who is less than one year old. SIDS has also been known as "crib death" because SIDS often happens when a baby has been sleeping and doesn't wake up. SIDS is only diagnosed after an investigation, and after other causes of death have been ruled out.

The causes of SIDS remain unknown. Researchers are studying possible causes, including the study of infant's genes, their physical development, and their surroundings.

Facts about SIDS:

• It's the leading cause of death for babies between one month and one year of age
• It's most common between the ages of two to four months of age
• More males die from SIDS than females, and African American babies have a higher risk than Caucasian babies
• SIDS occurs more often during the winter months
• SIDS can happen to any family

There are simple steps parents and caregivers can take to help reduce the risk of SIDS:

• Always place your baby on his back to sleep ~ including naps. You can reduce the chance of "flat spots" on your baby's head by providing "Tummy Time" while your infant is awake.
• Keep soft bedding, toys, and objects out of your baby's sleeping area. Use a firm sleeping surface, and if you bring your baby into your bed for nursing/feeding, place him back into his separate sleeping area once you have finished.
• Keep the temperature at a comfortable level (between 68 - 75 degrees), and do not overdress your baby. Layering your baby's clothing will prevent him from getting overheated.
• Do not allow smoking around your baby!

For more information about SIDS or to locate support for families who have had an infant death due to SIDS please contact the Dare County Department of Public Health's Maternal Health Nurse, Laurie White at 252.475.5001 or lauriew@darenc.com.