Are The People Watching Our Children Properly Trained?

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If you are a parent you have heard about SIDS.  Sudden Infant Death Syndrome has become a big topic both nationwide and locally.  The American Academy of Pediatrics has produced guidelines for reducing the risk of SIDS.

  • Make sure to always place babies to sleep on their back until they are able to roll over on their own.
  • Don’t cover a baby’s head with a blanket or over-bundle with clothing
  • Avoid letting baby get too hot while sleeping
  • Place baby in a safety approved crib with a firm mattress and a fitted sheet
  • Do not place babies on sofas adult beds or chairs
  • Keep crib free of toys, soft bedding pillows

In Illinois there is an organization known as SIDS of Illinois.  They are a state-wide not-for-profit organization dedicated to:

  • Supporting family members and others who have been touched by the tragedy of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or any other infant death
  • Informing both the public and professionals about effective methods to reduce infant mortality and bereavement support
  • Developing and promoting community awareness on the subject of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death or SUID
  • Stopping SIDS and other infant deaths through the support, reporting and implementation of appropriate research and legislative advocacy

While pediatricians and hospitals have helped spread the word about SIDS, child care providers were not necessarily in the loop.  Some child care providers have been caring for children since doctors told patients to place babies on their stomach.  SIDS of Illinois has long been pushing for training requirements and former Illinois Governor Quinn signed into law a requirement for all child care providers in Illinois to receive training on SIDS.

Newborns between 2 and 4 months are most at risk for SIDS and 90% of SIDS cases are in babies under the age of 6 months.  Parents should be sure that any facility or nanny or child care provider is up to date on the guidelines for reducing SIDS.  This can be accomplished simply by asking whoever you are leaving your child with.

A copy of the SIDS guidelines and other information about SIDS is available online at http://www.cdc.gov/features/SidsAwarenessMonth/

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