What is SIDS?
SIDS is an acronym for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as crib death or cot death. SIDS is not an illness or disease; it is the diagnosis given when an apparently healthy baby less than one year old, dies without warning.

Which babies are most at risk?
All babies under one year of age are at risk from SIDS. Doctors still have no way to pinpoint those with the most susceptible defects or abnormalities. Some children, however, have a risk of SIDS higher than the general population. SIDS is most common in infants between one and four months of age. SIDS strikes most often, but not always during periods of extended sleep. The risk is greater in boys, premature babies and those of low birth weight.

How can I reduce my baby's risk of SIDS?
Your doctor can suggest a number of things (see below) to decrease your baby's risk, but at present there is no guaranteed way to prevent SIDS. However, state of the art techniques now allow for the precise monitoring of a baby's vital functions during sleep which increases the liklihood that you will be able to assit your child during a health crisis. Nanny is an affordable device suitable for such monitoring not just in the maternity ward, but at home as well.

Reducing the Risk....
Place your baby on their back to sleep.
Don't smoke during pregnancy (this applies to both parents).
Don't allow people to smoke in the same room as your baby.
Don't allow your baby to get too hot.
Keep your baby's head uncovered; their feet should be to the foot of the cot to stop them wriggling down under the covers.
Don't fall asleep with your baby on the sofa.
Don't share your bed with your baby, especially if you or your partner:
           -smoke;
           -have been drinking alcohol;
           -are taking medication or drugs that causes drowsiness;
           -or are excessively tired.
Put your baby's cot in your bedroom for the first six months