“SIDS” (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) strikes fear into every parent’s heart, and that’s understandable. A normal, healthy baby can go to sleep and never wake up – for seemingly no reason. The medical community isn’t sure exactly what causes SIDS. But that doesn’t mean you’re helpless. Here are three major risk factors for SIDS, along …
5 little-known habits that endanger your baby
Accidental death related to unsafe sleep habits is the No. 1 cause of infant mortality in Missouri’s Bootheel. But it’s not just remembering to place your baby on his or her back to sleep or ensuring that your baby’s crib or sleep space meets current safety guidelines (both of which are very important). We know …
Q: Do mesh crib bumpers increase my baby’s risk of SIDS?
It’s fairly common knowledge that traditional bumper pads increase infants’ risk of suffocation and SIDS. Recently, though, some businesses have been offering mesh or “breathable” crib bumpers as safe alternatives. But are they really safer? The American Academy of Pediatrics says, “No.” Mesh bumper pads allow more air, but they aren’t suffocation-proof. Just like regular …
How you can help save lives
This September (like every September) is Infant Mortality Awareness Month – a time for us to shine a spotlight on the issue we’re passionate about every day. Infant mortality is a devastating problem in the Bootheel, with more than 140 babies from six Missouri counties (Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Scott and Stoddard) lost in …
6 must-do’s to prepare for your baby
At some point during your pregnancy, you may feel like it’s never going to end. But every day, you move closer to the big event. Before you get there, though, you have to prepare. Here are some things to do during your final trimester to make sure you’re good to go before labor starts. Don’t …
4 things that should never be in your baby’s crib
A safe crib includes a firm mattress and tightly fitted sheet. That’s it. As you design your baby’s sleep surface, give some attention to what shouldn’t be included: blankets, pillows, toys, bumper pads and other babies. Here’s why: 1) Blankets and pillows Because an infant doesn’t have the strength to move if his or her …
Why you should keep your baby’s crib blanket free
Have you ever woken up to realize you’re so tangled in the comforter you can’t move? It takes a few seconds of kicking and turning before you free yourself. Now imagine you can’t kick or roll over, and the blanket is blocking your nose and mouth. You’re trapped. This is a very real possibility for …
5 tried-and-true ways to help your newborn sleep at night
Infants sleep a lot – usually between 16 and 17 hours a day. They also wake frequently, sleeping only around two to four hours at a time. It’s important to find ways to help your baby sleep so that you can get some rest too. Here are a few techniques decades of parents have found …
Preparing for your baby: Crib safety
When you are expecting a baby, it’s an exciting time. There are lots of things to think about – including where your child will sleep. Will they have their own room? Will they share a room with a sibling? Will they sleep in your room for a time? Regardless of their surroundings, it’s important that …
4 common questions parents ask about newborns’ sleep habits
Anyone who has spent time around infants knows this: They rarely sleep through the night. Babies have shorter sleep cycles than adults, and they fall asleep as easily during the day as at nighttime. If you’re curious about what to expect when your baby arrives or you’re not sure if your newborn’s sleep habits are …