- Keep your baby in a smoke-free environment.
- Breastfeed your baby, if possible -- breastfeeding reduces some upper respiratory infections that may influence the development of SIDS.
- NEVER give honey to a child less than 1 year old -- honey in very young children may cause
infant botulism , which may be associated with SIDS.
Until the nature of the disease is fully understood, complete prevention will not be a reality.
References
Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The Changing Concept of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Diagnostic Coding Shifts, Controversies Regarding the Sleeping Environment, and New Variables to Consider in Reducing Risk. Pediatrics. 2005 Nov;116 (5).
Hauck FR, Omojokun OO, Siadaty MS. Do Pacifiers Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome? A Meta-analysis. Pediatrics. 2005 Nov;116 (5).
Hunt CE, Hauck FR. Sudden infant death syndrome. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2006 Jun;174(13).
Nelson EA, Yu LM, Williams S; International Child Care Practices Study Group Members. International Child Care Practices study: breastfeeding and pacifier use. J Hum Lact. 2005 Aug;21(3):289-95.
Kiernan MP, Beckerman RC. Is it sudden infant death syndrome or sudden unexpected infant death? Pediatrics. 2005 Sep;116(3):800-1.
Committee on Fetus and Newborn. American Academy of Pediatrics. Apnea, sudden infant death syndrome, and home monitoring. Pediatrics. 2003 Apr;111(4 Pt 1):914-7.
Sexton S, Natale R. Risks and benefits of pacifiers. Am Fam Physician. 2009. Apr 15;79(8):681-5.
Kiernan MP, Beckerman RC. Is it sudden infant death syndrome or sudden unexpected infant death? Pediatrics. 2005 Sep;116(3):800-1.
Adams SM, Good MW, Defranco GM. Sudden infant death syndrome. Am Fam Physician. 2009 May 15;79(10):870-4.
Previous Section
Review Date: 08/02/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of
Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
