freeonlinecal

FreeOnlineCal

SIDS Risk Assessment

This tool helps assess the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) based on various factors. Please provide accurate information.

What is the infant's usual sleep position?*
What type of sleep surface does the infant use?*
Does the infant regularly share a bed with others?*
Is the infant often over-bundled or in an overly warm room?*
Does the infant use a pacifier during sleep?*
Did the mother smoke during pregnancy?*
Is anyone in the household smoking around the infant?*
Was the infant born prematurely (before 37 weeks)?*
Is the infant breastfed?*
Does the infant sleep in the same room as parents (but not in the same bed)?*

SIDS Risk Assessment Results

Your calculated SIDS risk level is:

0

Recommendations:

  • Always place infants on their back to sleep, for every sleep.
  • Use a firm, flat sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib.
  • Keep the infant's sleep area in the same room where you sleep, but not in the same bed.
  • Keep soft objects, loose bedding, or any objects that could increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation out of the infant's sleep area.
  • Consider offering a pacifier at naptime and bedtime.
  • Avoid exposure to smoke during pregnancy and after birth.
  • Avoid alcohol and illicit drug use during pregnancy and after birth.
  • Breastfeeding is recommended.
  • Avoid overheating.
Made with Minform

Understanding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old. SIDS is sometimes known as crib death because the infants often die in their cribs. Although the cause is unknown, it's thought to be associated with defects in the portion of a baby's brain that controls breathing and arousal from sleep.

Common Risk Factors

  • Sleep Position: Babies who sleep on their stomachs or sides are at higher risk.
  • Sleep Surface: Sleeping on a soft surface, like a couch, armchair, or soft mattress, can increase risk.
  • Overheating: Overdressing a baby or keeping the room too warm can increase risk.
  • Bed-Sharing: Sleeping in the same bed as parents or other children can be dangerous.
  • Exposure to Smoke: Babies exposed to cigarette smoke before or after birth have a higher risk.
  • Prematurity and Low Birth Weight: Babies born prematurely or with low birth weight are more vulnerable.

Safe Sleep Recommendations

  • Back to Sleep: Always place babies on their back to sleep for every sleep, naptime and nighttime.
  • Firm Sleep Surface: Use a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib, covered by a fitted sheet.
  • No Soft Bedding: Keep soft objects, loose bedding, or any objects that could increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation out of the baby's sleep area. This includes pillows, blankets, quilts, crib bumpers, and soft toys.
  • Room-Sharing (Not Bed-Sharing): It is recommended that infants sleep in the parents' room, close to the parents' bed, but in a separate crib or bassinet.
  • Avoid Overheating: Dress your baby in light sleep clothing and keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
  • Pacifier Use: Consider offering a pacifier at naptime and bedtime.
  • Avoid Smoke Exposure: Do not smoke or allow others to smoke around your baby.
  • Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.

Related Calculators

Fertility & Ovulation calculator

SIDS Calculator - Free Online Health Calculators