FIRST CANDLE/SIDS ALLIANCE REVISES IMPORTANT CHILD CARE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS

Important information from the American Academy of Pediatrics on bed sharing and using pacifiers to reduce the risk of SIDS included

Ten Simple Proactive Steps Could Save Thousands of Precious Lives Each Year

[Baltimore, MD - October 2005] First Candle/SIDS Alliance today released an updated checklist for parents and caregivers on how to provide their baby with the best possible chance to survive and thrive. These recommendations are in keeping with the recent announcement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) regarding a revised policy statement on reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Among the revisions are recommendations against bed sharing and using pacifiers to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Despite a dramatic decrease in the incidence of SIDS since the initiation of the national Back To Sleep campaign in 1994 (53%), statistics show that some of the decrease in recent years may actually be a result of coding shifts to other causes of unexpected infant deaths, rather than a continued steady decline in SIDS rates. “It is critical, if we are to continue our success at eliminating these sudden infant deaths, that parents and caregivers are consistently reminded of these lifesaving messages from conception through and following the birth of their baby,” according to Dr. Marian Sokol, president of First Candle. Despite best efforts to date, SIDS alone is still responsible for more infant deaths beyond the newborn period in the United States than any other cause of death during infancy.

In light of increasing evidence that shows an alarming number of babies dying in unsafe sleep conditions, First Candle reminds parents and caregivers of the importance of providing a safe sleep environment for their baby. “The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a safety approved crib placed alongside the adult bed for at least the first six months of life,” says Dr. Bradley Thach, chair of the First Candle Medical and Scientific Advisory Board. “Parents should not fall asleep with their baby in an adult bed or on a sofa. Bring your baby into bed to breastfeed, cuddle and bond - but when it’s time for everyone to fall asleep, place the baby alongside your bed in a separate, safe sleep area.”

For reasons that are yet unknown, evidence that using a pacifier when placing your baby down to sleep can significantly reduce the risk of SIDS is compelling; evidence that pacifier use inhibits breastfeeding or causes dental complications is not. The First Candle recommendations contain guidelines for parents and caregivers on the proper use of pacifiers.

It is also important that babies be placed on a firm mattress covered with only a sheet - everything else should be removed from the sleep area, including blankets, sheepskins, pillows and stuffed toys. Soft or pillow-like bumpers should never be used. If used, bumpers should be thin, firm and securely tied. Consider using a mesh, breathable bumper as a replacement to traditional bumpers in your baby’s crib.

First Candle has long recommended placing babies on their back as the only safe sleep position for infants. In addition, the use of an infant sleep sack (wearable blanket) as a replacement to blankets in a baby’s crib has been a mainstay in the First Candle recommendations. Current revisions now include stronger language around soft bedding and bed sharing, using pacifiers as a way to reduce the risk of SIDS and the importance of eliminating prenatal and second-hand tobacco exposure. The checklist also includes important tips on prenatal care, breast feeding, immunizations and reducing the effects of positional plagiocephaly (flat heads).

In the coming months, First Candle will be focusing efforts on targeting these important messages to high-risk populations and the healthcare professionals that work with families when a baby is born. “It is our goal to ensure that every baby is provided the best opportunity to reach not only their first birthday, but many happy birthdays beyond,” says Sokol. For a complete list of the First Candle checklist of tips for parents and caregivers to help their baby survive and thrive, please visit www.firstcandle.org.

Summary of the Revised AAP Policy Statement (pdf 104 Kb)

Full Text of the Revised AAP Policy Statement (pdf 300 Kb)

First Candle Revised Tips for Parents and Caregivers (pdf 116 Kb)

First Candle/SIDS Alliance is a national, nonprofit, health organization dedicated to promoting infant health and survival during the prenatal period through age two with programs of advocacy, education and research; while at the same time providing compassionate grief support to those experiencing an infant death. For more information on helping babies survive and thrive, to access local support services or to make a donation, please call 1-800-221-7437 or visit www.firstcandle.org