October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) awareness month
There are approximately 3400 sudden unexpected infant deaths each year in the USA. Per published data by the National Institue for Health (NIH) more than 1 in 3 of those cases is classified as SIDS. SIDS is the term used to describe sudden death of a baby less than 1 year of age that doesn't have a known cause. Not all sleep related infant deaths are due to SIDS. However, recognition and awareness of safe sleep behaviors have reduced the risk of SIDS for healthy infants. The NIH Safe to Sleep (R) campaign has been advocating for safe sleep practices for infants to reduce SIDS risks for almost 3 decades. Some key highlights are:
1) Always place babies on their backs for sleep and naps.
2) Create a safe sleep space by removing loose items from cribs.
3) Give babies their own sleep space.
4) Share a room with baby for at least 6 months.
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Spreading Hope and Smiles is proud to support area dads this Father's Day! We are partnering with Chop KOP and Skippack Bereavement to provide bereaved fathers and fathers with admitted children with a small boost this Father's Day.