Safe Sleep and SIDS

The Ideas & Solutions blog is intended to provide a forum for the discussion of child care and early education issues and ideas. We hope to provoke thoughtful discussions within the field and to help those outside the field gain a better understanding of priorities and concerns.

Article by Kansas Infant Death and SIDS Network

An article about new research on SIDS that has been gaining traction in the Safe Sleep Community. This research may lead to greater ability to screen risk of SIDS, but that is only a small portion of sleep-related deaths. The recent research falls in line with what Dr. Hannah Kinney discovered and explains as the Triple Risk Theory. Dr. Kinney reports, SIDS is likely a combination of a vulnerable infant (enzyme level), outside stressor (sleep space, smoke, heat, etc.) and critical developmental period (age of baby). All infant caregivers need to understand safe sleep practices are still paramount in reducing SIDS and other sleep-related causes of death as addressed by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Kansas Infant Death and SIDS Network
Safe Sleep and SIDS

Thus, we still need to follow safe sleep practices (Alone, Back, Clutter-free Crib) to reduce infant deaths from SIDS, suffocation, overlay, and strangulation in bed.

Please see the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s current Child Care regulations regarding safe sleep for Day Care Homes and Group Day Care and Child Care Centers for more information on safe sleep policies and practices.

Child Care Aware of Kansas

Child Care Aware of Kansas connects everyone with a stake in child care — parents, child care providers, businesses, local and state leaders, and community members — to the information and ideas they need to take action. We provide opportunities, connections, and support for Kansans to envision what a better child care system can look like for them. Working within a network of Child Care Resource & Referral agencies, we also connect caregivers and providers to the information and support they need.