Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old, usually during sleep. Fulfill your licensing requirements for SIDS and crib safety with this 1-hour course. Participants will examine the best practices for safe sleep, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and Shaken Baby. Explore prevention and risk factors, review strategies to support families, and promote protective factors. Participants will learn how to minimize the risk to children within their care.

1. Reducing the Risk: Understanding SIDS, Safe
Sleep, and Shaken Baby Syndrome
Amy Foster-Palmer, MS, CCHC
www.greenspacetx.com

2. Objectives
Participants will be able to:
Discuss the ABC’S of Safe Sleep
Define SIDS
List the signs of Shaken Baby Syndrome
Give strategies to support families and
promote protective factors
Green Space Learning & Development
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3. Understanding SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the
unexplained death, usually during sleep, of
a seemingly healthy baby less than a year
old.
SIDS is sometimes known as crib death
because the infants often die in their cribs.
But death can occur in other locations.
The cause is still unknown but there are
some risk factors that can cause some
infants to be more prone to SIDS.
Green Space Learning & Development
www.greenspacetx.com

4. Risk Factors
• Physical:
• Brain defects
• Low birth weight
• Respiratory infection
• Sleep Environment
• Sleeping on the stomach or side
• Soft surfaces
• Sharing a sleep space
• Overheating
• Other Risk factors
• Gender (boys have higher SIDS rates)
• Age
• Race
• Secondhand smoking
• Premature
• Maternal age
Green Space Learning & Development
www.greenspacetx.com

5. ABC’S of Safe Sleep Practices
• A is for Alone
• B is for Back
• C is for Crib
• S is for Smoking (no smoke)
Green Space Learning & Development
www.greenspacetx.com

6. Implementing Safe Sleep Policies
• Every infant classroom should
have a safe sleep policy that is
discussed with and understood
by each parent
• Document and have parents sign
that they have received, read,
and understood the policy
• Have open communication
about safe sleep
recommendations
Green Space Learning & Development
www.greenspacetx.com

7. Group Discussion:
Let’s think about these questions:
1. What are some issues parents may have with placing their infant on
their backs?
2. What are some challenges you may face in trying to get a child to
sleep comfortably on their back?
3. How can you talk to parents about reducing risk?
Green Space Learning & Development
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8. Best Practices
• Babies should sleep on their backs for all sleep times—for naps and at night until the age of 1.
• Use a firm sleep surface (cribs, bassinets, etc.).
• Keep soft objects, loose bedding, or any objects that could increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation
out of the baby's sleep area.
• Don't overheat your baby - Keep the temperature in the sleep area between 72 degrees and 77 degrees.
• Try giving a pacifier at nap time.
• Use caution when a product claims to reduce the risk of SIDS.
• There isn't enough research on SIDS to know what is an exact cause so be cautious regarding items that claim to stop SIDS
from occurring.
• Check on the infant every 5-10 minutes.
• Watch for the facial and mouth coloring to change.
• Be sure you can see the chest rise and fall.
Green Space Learning & Development
www.greenspacetx.com

9. Understanding Shaken Baby Syndrome
• Shaken baby syndrome is a form of child abuse
that causes severe brain damage. It can result
from as little as five seconds of shaking.
• Babies have soft brains and weak neck muscles.
They also have delicate blood vessels.
• Shaking a baby or young child can cause their
brain to repeatedly hit the inside of the skull.
Green Space Learning & Development
www.greenspacetx.com

10. Why is Shaken Baby Syndrome so dangerous?
• Shaken baby syndrome destroys a child's brain cells and prevents his
or her brain from getting enough oxygen. Shaken baby syndrome is a
form of child abuse that can result in permanent brain damage or
death.
• Shaken baby syndrome is preventable. Help is available for parents
who are at risk of harming a child. Parents also can educate other
caregivers about the dangers of shaken baby syndrome.
Green Space Learning & Development
www.greenspacetx.com

11. Signs and Symptoms
• Extreme fussiness or irritability
• Difficulty staying awake
• Breathing problems
• Poor eating
• Vomiting
• Pale or bluish skin
• Seizures
• Paralysis
• Coma
Green Space Learning & Development
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12. Risk Factors
• Unrealistic expectations of babies
• Young or single parenthood
• Stress
• Domestic violence
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Unstable family situations
• Depression
• A history of mistreatment as a child
Green Space Learning & Development
www.greenspacetx.com

13. Best Practices and Prevention
• Talk to parents and those working with infants about Shaken Baby, so they
understand the dangers of violent shaking.
• Provide tips to soothe a crying baby and manage stress.
• When a crying baby can't be calmed it's important to always treat the child
gently.
• Nothing justifies shaking a child.
• If you're having trouble managing your emotions or the stress of working
with young children, ask for help.
• Always have the parents carry the child into the room and out of the car
seat so a health check can be done when the child arrives.
• Document any signs or symptoms and contact emergency personal right
away.
Green Space Learning & Development
www.greenspacetx.com

14. Important to remember…
• Talk to your administration if you suspect a child has been a victim
• Do not confront the parents or make accusations
• Let family know if medical help is needed for the child
• Review policies and procedures
• Remember parents and your own stress levels
• Ask for and offer help to others who may need it
• Remember – it only takes 5 seconds to change lives forever!
Green Space Learning & Development
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15. Questions
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