New York State Sudden Infant Death
Central New York Regional Office
990 Seventh North Street
Liverpool, NY 13088-6148
Phone: 315-634-2191
Fax: 315-634-1118
"Golf for a reason."
Proceeds support local risk-reduction efforts and grief counseling to those affected by infant death.
To donate or register for golf, call 634-2222.
What Is SIDS?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the "sudden death of an infant under one year of age which remains unexplained. SIDS is sometimes referred to as "crib death." However, cribs with safe bedding that follow the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's recommendations are the safest places for an infant to sleep.
How Often Does SIDS Happen?
Approximately 77 of every 100,000 babies born alive in the U.S. die of SIDS. The rate of SIDS varies from state to state.
What Causes SIDS?
The causes of SIDS are unknown at this time. However, research has identified a number of factors that indicate an increased risk of SIDS. This information has helped health professionals to develop SIDS risk reduction campaigns. The incidence of SIDS in the U.S. has dropped by 38% since 1992, when the risk reduction campaigns began.
Why Do I Need To Know About SIDS?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or "crib death," is one of the leading causes of infant death, accounting for nearly 3,000 deaths annually in the United States.
§ Always place the baby on his back to sleep. If he falls asleep while playing on his stomach, turn him over on his back to continue his rest.
§ Place the baby on a firm mattress and remove all pillows, quilts, comforters, bumper pads, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and other soft items from the crib.
§ Do not place the baby to sleep on a waterbed, sofa or chair, soft mattress, sleeping bag, pillow, or any other soft surface.
§ Do not allow babies to share a crib, even if they are siblings or twins.
§ Ask the parents to provide a sleeper garment. Dress the baby in it for sleep instead of covering him with a blanket or comforter.
§ If you must use a blanket: (1) place the baby with his feet at the foot of the crib, (2) bring a thin blanket up only as far as his chest, and (3) tuck the blanket firmly under the crib mattress.
§ Make sure that the baby's head stays uncovered while he sleeps.
§ Do not let babies sleep in a room where smoking is allowed (even if no one smokes while the babies are in the room).
§ Make the families you serve aware of the steps you take to reduce the risk of SIDS while caring for their children.
The death of a baby is a devastating experience for every family. Many parents seek help in their time of crisis and search for answers to their many questions. Grieving grandparents, foster parents, siblings, childcare providers, family members and friends want to know how to cope with this tragedy.
The New York State Center for Sudden Infant Death provides comprehensive professional support to families whose infants die suddenly and unexpectedly of any cause. The Center offers educational programs to professionals and the community at large to increase public awareness and knowledge about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, infant mortality and risk reduction methods. The Center coordinates statewide services from a main office at Stony Brook University and from satellite offices serving Eastern, Central and Western New York and New York City.
Helpful Websites
First Candle/SIDS Alliance… http://www.firstcandle.org/
SIDS resources at the Upstate Medical Center…
http://www.upstate.edu/library/healthinfo/pathfind/sids.shtml