1. The client/caregiver can define sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
    1. It is the sudden, unexplained death of a seemingly healthy infant younger than 1 year old.
    2. Most SIDS deaths happen to babies between the age of 2 months and 4 months of age.
  2. The client/caregiver can list groups of infants most at risk for SIDS.
    1. Babies placed on their stomachs or sides to sleep.
    2. African American babies are two times as likely to die of SIDS.
    3. American Indian/Alaska Native babies are three times as likely to die of SIDS.
    4. Babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy are a higher risk.
    5. Sharing a bed with adults increases the risk.
    6. Preterm or low birth weight infants are at risk.
    7. Sleeping on soft surface such as waterbed, couch, or pillows increases the risk.
    8. Boy infants have higher risk of SIDS.
  3. The client/caregiver can list measures to prevent or reduce risks of SIDS.
    1. New guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics for preventing SIDS was issued in October 2005.
      1. Place babies on their backs to sleep. Do not place them on their side.
      2. Be consistent to lay baby down to sleep on back.
      3. Place the baby on a safety-approved crib mattress covered with a fitted sheet. Never place him or her on a pillow, quilt, sheepskin, or soft surface.
      4. Do not sleep with your baby. It is okay to bring baby into bed to nurse or comfort, but return baby to crib to sleep.
      5. Keep baby in crib in the same room at first.
      6. Do not use soft items in crib such as
        • Pillows
        • Blankets
        • Quilts
        • Sheepskin
        • Pillow-like bumpers in sleep area
      7. Use sleep clothing (one piece sleeper) instead of blankets.
      8. Keep soft objects, stuffed toys, or loose bedding out of sleep area.
      9. Make sure that nothing covers the baby’s head.
      10. Avoid letting the baby overheat during sleep. Dress him or her in light clothes, and keep the room at comfortable temperature.
      11. Do not let anyone smoke near your baby.
      12. Use tummy time when baby is awake and someone is watching.
      13. Offer a pacifier—do not force. If breastfeeding, wait to offer a pacifier until the age of 1 month.
      14. Avoid products with claims to help prevent SIDS.
      15. Prevent flat spots on baby’s head by alternating the direction your baby’s head faces.
  4. The client/caregiver can discuss measures to help cope with the loss of infant.
    1. Seek emotional support of others.
    2. Support groups can be helpful, but not for everyone. Find a friend or counselor to discuss feelings and emotions.
    3. Keep yourself open to the communication of friends and family. Many people want to help, but they do not know what to say or do.
    4. Keep communication open between parents. Seek help and counseling if needed.
    5. Allow time to grieve. Be kind to yourself, and discuss possible feelings of guilt or helplessness with family or professional grief counselor.

Resources

Back to Sleep800-505-CRIBE-mail: NICHDIRC@mail.nih.gov
Support groups
Clergy

References

Hunt, R. 2005. Introduction to community based nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.Maternal-neonatal nursing: Lippincott manual of nursing practice pocket guides. (2007). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.Muscari, M. E. (2005). Pediatric nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Safe Sleep for Your Baby: Ten Ways to Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). (2006). Available from: www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/safe_sleep_gen.cfm.Novak, J. C., & Broom, B. L. (1999). Maternal and child health nursing. St. Louis: Mosby, Inc.Taylor, C., Lillis, C., & LeMone, P. (2005). Fundamentals of nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.

Credits

Client Teaching Guides for Home Health Care, 2nd ed.© 2008 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.www.jbpub.com

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