Tag Archives: sids

AAP: Breastfeeding for 2 Months Lowers Risk of SIDS

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), citing a study, states that breastfeeding for at least two months decreases the risk of SIDS. This information can help lower the rate of infant mortality. SIDS is an acronym for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. SIDS is an unexpected death of a seemingly healthy infant that is less than a year old which happens while the baby is sleeping. The syndrome is also called “crib death” because the infants often die in their cribs. The AAP pointed out a study that was titled “Duration of Breastfeeding and Risk of SIDS: An Individual Participant Data … Continue reading →

Baby Blog Week in Review: October 6th Through October 12th

Has your little one discovered the joys of fall? My youngest two are especially proud of their little pumpkins that they picked out themselves this past weekend. Be sure to check out last week’s articles, and check back later for an important update to the whole BPA debate. October 6th Baby Blog Week in Review: September 29th Through October 5th Here is the Baby Blog week in review for September 29th through October 5th. October 7th Fans May Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, is an as yet unexplained phenomena that takes the … Continue reading →

Fans May Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, is an as yet unexplained phenomena that takes the lives of many babies each year. It is defined as the sudden death of a child under one year of age that cannot be explained. The highest risk of SIDS seems to take place between the ages of two and four months old, and as any parent who has checked their quiet child in the middle of the night knows, it is a scary possibility. The Back to Sleep campaign, launched in the 90s has made significant progress in reducing the number of SIDS deaths, … Continue reading →

A Father’s Touching Tribute to His Infant Son

It is undeniably one of the most horrific situation a parent could ever experience and Tampa Bay kicker Matt Bryant had to go through it in front of millions of strangers. If you tuned into the final minutes of the Green Bay/Tampa Bay game yesterday you might have choked back the waterworks watching the pro football player wipe tears from his eyes and blow a kiss towards the heavens, in tribute to his baby boy. Less than 24 hours prior to kicking his third field goal against the Packers, Bryant and his wife Melissa buried their 3-month-old son. Matthew Tryson … Continue reading →

Caregiver Danger Signs

Whether you are looking for full time care for your baby or just an occasional babysitter, here are some signs you can look for that may tell you that your caregiver isn’t right for you and your child. Your baby is your most precious possession. I once heard the advice that you should never leave your baby anywhere you wouldn’t leave a million dollars. And of course, your baby is priceless and much more important. Here are some danger signs that warrant a closer look at your caregiver. She doesn’t follow standard safety advice If your caregiver puts your newborn … Continue reading →

Cause of SIDS?

A recent report from Harvard Medical School and Children’s Hospital Boston has linked a specific brain malfunction with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, commonly known as SIDS. In a lot of ways this is really ground breaking research. Up until this point, no one has definitely pointed to one cause for SIDS. However, researchers have noted several risk factors for SIDS, including sleeping on the stomach, and smoking. Furthermore, this study suggests that SIDS may even be preventable. By identifying the part of the brain responsible, doctors will be able to identify those infants at risk for SIDS. The study was … Continue reading →

The Pacifier Wars

Over the years, there has been a tug of war between proponents of the pacifier versus those who are against the pacifier have swung the pendulum back and forth. When my daughter was born, pacifiers were recommended against (especially if you were breastfeeding) and now once again the pendulum is swinging back to be in favor of the pacifier including as an aid to help reduce the changes of SIDS. Pro Pacifier On the pro pacifier side of the fence, there are the medical studies that suggest the babies sucking reflex helps to prevent SIDS. The pacifier is a great … Continue reading →

The Family Bed – Part 2: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

The main reason some people oppose the concept of The Family Bed or co-sleeping, is because they fear it poses a danger to the baby. Research about this topic has been all over the board throughout the years. Protestors claim that co-sleeping puts a baby at a greater risk for suffocation or for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), while supporters say that sleeping with your child may actually reduce the occurrence of SIDS. To get to the bottom of this issue, and to bring you the most informed information possible, I decided to go straight to The Academy of Pediatrics … Continue reading →

The Family Bed – Part 1

The topic of the family bed, or co-sleeping, is one that typically sparks deep opinions. Many families are either for co-sleeping or against it, and few are on the fence about the idea. In the next three installments, I’ll attempt to debunk the myths, give the facts to you straight, and hopefully, allow you to make the best decision for your family. Yay vs. Nay What the Supporters Say: Supporters of co-sleeping feel that babies and young children sleeping in bed with their parents is a natural process that leaves both parent and child feeling safe and loved. The starting … Continue reading →

URGENT: Your Baby Needs Tummy Time!

I recently spoke with Teresa Riley, a Child Development Disabilities Consultant in Arizona. I asked her, “Is there any advice which you find yourself repeatedly giving the couples you consult with?” She answered almost immediately, “Yes. I tell them that they aren’t giving their babies enough tummy time.” Now that wasn’t an answer I expected. Tummy time? Fear of SIDS Teresa explained that out of fear of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), couples are keeping their babies almost exclusively in a face-up position, lying on their backs. This is understandable, because it stems from the desire to protect their infants. … Continue reading →