A Dallas County health expert discusses ways to protect babies against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).Community Health Educator Natalie Del Vecchio tells Raccoon Valley Radio that SIDS is the unexpected death of a baby under the age of one. She explains that the most common way that young children experience SIDS is through dying in their sleep. Del Vecchio offers recommendations to parents/guardians in order to reduce the risk of the disease.

“Always place the baby on their back to sleep for naps and nighttime. And do so on a firm, flat surface, like a safety approved crib mattress, while keeping blankets, toys, and pillows out of the crib. You should share your room but not your bed, so have the baby sleep in your room in their own crib.” 

Del Vecchio advises other ways to prevent SIDS is dressing babies in light clothing to keep them overheating, and making sure the room temperature is comfortable. She suggests avoiding smoking during pregnancy and when you are with a baby, while also having them use a pacifier to help them sleep and after breastfeeding. She adds that getting regular check-ups with a newborn pediatrician to monitor the baby’s condition.