Health Care for Children

SIDS: The Facts
 
As a new parent, it’s vital that you know the facts on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Though doctors aren’t entirely sure of its cause, SIDS is thought to occur when a baby doesn’t get enough oxygen while sleeping and suffocates, usually in the first year of life.

The theory is that the baby “rebreathes” her own breath because of too much bedding surrounding her nose and mouth. Therefore, she breathes carbon dioxide instead of air and is robbed of oxygen. Other research has shown a link between sleeping in a hot room and SIDS.

Fortunately, there’s a lot that parents can do to help prevent it, and the steps are very simple. Keep baby’s room on the cool side to be safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends clearing baby’s crib of blankets, stuffed toys, and pillows, and — most important — always placing baby on her back when she’s ready to go to sleep.

Since these recommendations were developed, there’s been an 80 percent reduction in SIDS cases.

Swaddling 101
 
Making a Baby Burrito
 
There’s a good reason maternity ward nurses wrap babies up into tight little bundles. Because newborns are used to being packed tightly in the womb, replicating it on the outside helps them sleep better. Here’s how to wrap up your own little baby burrito:
Lay a light, soft blanket on a flat surface; a heavier blanket may make baby too warm. Place it in a diamond shape, corners pointing up and out.
Fold the top corner down to the middle of the blanket, and place baby’s head and neck just above it. His shoulders should be aligned with the top of the fold.
Place baby’s arms at his sides, or cross them gently over his chest.
Take the right blanket corner and wrap it across baby’s chest, tucking in the edges under his back.
Fold the bottom corner over baby’s feet. You can leave the bottom loose so he can curl up his legs.
Take the left corner and wrap it across baby’s chest, tucking it under his back. Pull gently but firmly to ensure that the swaddle is snug.

Crazy for Loveys
 
Does your toddler need to clutch a stuffed bear to drift off to dreamland? Don’t worry — Teddy isn’t an emotional crutch. He helps your child learn to soothe himself when his caregivers aren’t around. Just have an extra bear on hand if Teddy goes missing!

Goodnight, Sleep Tight
 
Set the stage for peaceful slumber with these tried-and-true tips:
Make sure baby’s room is at a comfortable temperature. Body temperature drops as we fall asleep. If baby’s room is too hot or too cold, this natural occurrence may be disrupted and inadvertently keep her awake.
Bring on the noise. The womb is a noisy place — baby is serenaded by your beating heart and gurgling stomach — so she may find it easier to sleep with a little noise, such as the whir of a fan.
Dim all the lights. Baby doesn’t need a night-light and will become more in sync with the rhythms of day and night if you keep her room dark while she sleeps.
Put baby to bed when she’s awake. This may sound counterintuitive, but it helps baby learn to soothe herself to sleep rather than depend upon you.