More SIDS deaths occur in colder, winter months.
SIDS and Twins
While not preventable, risk factors for SIDS have been identified. Unfortunately, many of the identified risks can be applied to twins and multiples, making them particularly vulnerable. A major risk factor is premature birth and low birthweight, conditions which impacts more than half of multiples on some level. Therefore, it is vital that parents of twins be aware of the risks and take precautions to protect their babies.Back to Sleep
Perhaps the most critical component in SIDS prevention is infant sleep prevention. As trends in baby care have transitioned from putting babies to sleep on their backs rather thatn on their stomachs, the incidence of SIDS has significantly decreased. From 1992 to 1998, the percentage of infants sleeping on their stomachs decreased from more than 70 percent to about 20 percent. During the same period, the number of SIDS deaths declined by almost half. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that back sleeping is the preferred sleep position for babies."Always place your babies on their backs to sleep, for naps and at night. The back sleep position is the safest, and every sleep time counts." --National Institute of Chlid Health & Human Development-
Many parents are frustrated or concerned by the recommendation to put babies to sleep on their backs. What if they choke? Won't it create flat spots on the back of their heads? What if they roll over? Rest assured. Healthy babies will automatically swallow or cough up fluids; there's no connection between back sleeping and choking. To compensate for back sleeping and to enhance your babies' physical and cognitive development, allow them plenty of tummy time throughout the day, when they're wide awake and supervised. Also, change the babies' orientation within the crib from time to time, or switch them between cribs. Finally, expect that your babies will begin to roll over and find their own preferred sleep positions as they get older and their physical capabilities expand. There's not much you can do to prevent it, and fortunately, the risk of SIDS drops as they reach that stage in their development.
To minimize the development of flat spots on the back of baby's head, reduce the amount of time that your babies spend lying in car seats, carriers and bouncers while they're awake.
Other Ways to Reduce the Risk
In addition, create a safe sleeping environment for your babies, like a firm crib mattress covered with a fitted sheet. Avoid nesting babies with loose bedding like pillows, quilts, blankets or sheepskins and don't clutter the sleep area with soft toys. Keep babies from overheating by dressing them in light sleep clothing, and keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
Control your babies' exposure to harmful tobacco smoke. Don't smoke while you're pregnant and don't smoke around them once they're born. Finally, optimal nutrition always contributes positively to your babies' health. Breastfeed if possible, or follow your doctor's advice for alternative feeding products.
