Safe Sleep and SIDS
May 26, 2022 | By Child Care Aware of KansasArticle 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.
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.