All parents are told that their baby should sleep on his back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This recommendation was officially endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 16 years ago and since that recommendation the rate of SIDS has dropped dramatically from 0.13% (1.3 of every 1000 infants) to 0.046% (.46 of every 1000 infants).

As most of you know, the safest way for your baby to sleep is on her back on a firm mattress with a tightly fitting sheet. She should be in tightly fitting pajamas to keep her warm and should not have a blanket, pillow or stuffed animals.

Some babies have a very hard time sleeping on their back and seem more comfortable on their side. To address this need a number of companies have marketed "sleep positioners" to help hold babies in a more comfortable position while they sleep. It is important to note that no studies have been done to test and see if sleep positioners have any affect on the risk of SIDS and they are not endorsed by the AAP.

If your baby does not sleep well in his crib you can try elevating the head of the crib. There are wedge products sold to do this but you can simply roll or fold a towel and place under the head of the mattress or under the legs of the crib to elevate the head of the crib.

Recent studies have shown that babies who fall asleep with a pacifier in their mouth (even if it falls out as soon as they are asleep) are less likely to die from SIDS. I don't know why this is true, but I do encourage all of my families to give their babies a pacifier at night!

Performance Pediatrics would like to encourage those of you who can to donate blood in honor of Jack Voutselas. Jack is the grandson of our receptionist, Marie.

 

The blood drive is being organized by Children's Hospital Boston "give pints for half-pints bloodmobile" program.

 

WHEN: Saturday, October 11, 2008

TIME: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

PLACE: St. Bonaventure Church, Route 3A in Manomet

 

All successful donors receive a gift from Children's Hospital. To make an appointment please call Angela @ 508-224-0940.

 

Each donation can help up to four young patients!