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After the birth

After the birth

Breast & bottle feeding

Baby safety

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)


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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden unexpected death in infancy is one of the biggest dangers for babies when they are sleeping.  It can be caused by an illness or complication that the baby was born with.  However, the most common cause of unexpected death is from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or an accident occurring from the sleeping area of the baby.

 

SIDS: Is when a baby dies unexpectedly and the cause of death is not known (baby does not die from an illness or from an accident). Lots of research has been done, but specific causes of death are still unknown. 


Things you can do to help prevent SIDS:

  • Make sure your baby sleeps on its back

  • Don’t put anything over your baby’s head and face when it is sleeping

  • Don’t let your baby be surrounded by cigarette smoke before or after birth

  • Keep you baby’s sleeping environment safe and clean (this includes the cot)

  • Put you baby’s cot or bassinette in your room for at least the first 6 months so you can detect any changes in your baby’s behaviour sooner.

  • Make sure your baby sleeps in its own bed


The SIDS website has a very good, clear picture that outlines how to set up a baby's cot.  For more information go to www.sidsandkids.org/cot.htm. 

Get Help


SIDS and Kids
 Suite 3, 98 Morang Rd, Hawthorn
9819 4595
 www.sidsandkids.org
(internet connection required)