SIDS: A Parent's Guide to Understanding and Preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

A pediatrician lays out the latest research on SIDS, also known as crib death, tells how to identify babies who are at risk, and offers techniques and examples to reduce dramatically the chances of sudden death. 10,000 first printing.

Little is known about the cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which kills 6000 children annually. Although rare, it is one of the biggest worries that new parents mention. This book by an experienced pediatrician offers a program based on current knowledge and hypothetical information from his personal observations that will minimize the risk of SIDS. Since it is a developmental disability affecting the cardiorespiratory regulatory mechanisms during sleep, Sears suggests putting the infant to sleep on its back or side in a room that is not overheated. He recommends breastfeeding, parental abstinence from smoking, carrying the infant in a sling, and having the infant sleep in the same room with the parents. He also discusses healthy grieving and coping with the loss of a child. Unlike Joanni Horchler and Robin Morris's The SIDS Survival Guide (LJ 12/94), which offers only psychological advice, this guide presents supportive techniques that promote health and bonding of parents and infants. Highly recommended for all collections.
Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., Cal.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.