Recent news reports based on a newly published book have suggested that multiple infant deaths within one family that were attributed to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) may have been linked to child abuse.
While these reports may suggest that SIDS is not a real phenomenon, I want to make clear that SIDS is a real medical condition that claims the lives of more than 3,000 infants each year.
Despite ongoing research, we still don’t know the root causes of SIDS, and it can’t currently be predicted or prevented. The American Academy of Pediatrics, however, in 1992 announced a new, science-based recommendation: Placing babies on their backs or sides to sleep can reduce the risk of a baby dying from SIDS.
In October 1996, the academy revised its recommendation, stating that placing babies on their backs to sleep provides the greatest protection against SIDS and is the recommended infant sleep position.
To help spread this message, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched the public-private “Back to Sleep” campaign. Largely due to the increase in awareness created by this campaign, SIDS deaths declined by nearly 40 percent between 1992 and 1996, saving the lives of nearly 1,600 babies each year.
SIDS, however, remains the leading cause of death in infants ages 1 month to 1 year, and not enough care-givers know how to reduce the risk. That must change. That’s why the “Back to Sleep” campaign is working to ensure that every parent, grandparent, doctor, day-care worker, baby-sitter–every person who cares for our children–receives a clear, consistent message: Place babies on their backs to sleep; it can help to save their lives.
To reach this goal, we need your help. Please help us to spread this critical message by telling your family and friends.
