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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), also called crib or cot death, the unexplained sudden death, usually during sleep, of an apparently healthy infant. In the United States, SIDS is the third leading cause of death in infants between 1 month and 12 months of age. It primarily strikes children one to six months old—57 percent of SIDS victims are two to four months old and 95 percent are less than six months old. Since 1989, when more than 5,600 infants died of SIDS, the number of cases has decreased steadily in the United States. In 1998 about 2,800 infants died of SIDS . About 60 percent of infants who die of SIDS are males. Native American and African American infants are at highest risk.

Studies show an association between SIDS and one or more risk factors. SIDS is more common in infants with low birth weights—those weighing 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) or less at birth. SIDS is more common in infants whose mothers are under 20 years old, unmarried, have had inadequate prenatal care, did not breast-feed the infant, or have more than one infant. There is a higher incidence of SIDS among infants whose mothers smoked during pregnancy or after birth. Risk also increases in households where the father or another family member smoked—research indicates that infants exposed to cigarette smoke only after birth are twice as likely to die of SIDS. Use of illegal drugs during pregnancy is another major risk factor.

Despite the various risk factors, the cause of SIDS remains unknown. Many researchers suggest that infants who die of SIDS are born with undetected conditions that make them more vulnerable to physical and environmental stresses. Most theories about the actual cause of death focus on difficulties with breathing. Insufficient exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs may be caused by blockage of the air passages, faulty breathing reflexes, or problems with the brain’s regulation of breathing. Abnormal heart rates or rhythms may also be involved in these deaths. A 1998 study by researchers in Italy showed that babies who have a heartbeat abnormality known as long Q-T syndrome are 41 times as likely to die of SIDS as babies with normal heartbeats. Other possible contributing factors include poor muscle tone and unstable body temperature.

In cases of sudden, unexpected infant deaths, SIDS is listed as the cause of death only after all other possible causes are eliminated including brain defects, heart disease, acute (sudden) illness like meningitis, or child abuse. A thorough examination of the infant, including a complete autopsy, examination of the infant’s sleeping environment, and review of the medical history of both the victim and parents, is conducted in all suspected SIDS cases.

While the cause of SIDS remains unknown, recent advances in prevention have targeted significant risk factors. In 1992 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended that infants be placed on their backs to sleep. One study found that since this recommendation was made public, the rate of SIDS decreased by 38 percent in the United States between 1992 and 1996. This AAP recommendation is for healthy infants only. A physician may suggest another sleeping position if an infant has a condition that affects breathing or swallowing.

An infant’s crib should be furnished with a firm mattress that fits snugly against the crib’s sides. Infants sleeping facedown on soft surfaces such as water beds, beanbags, or pillows, may form a hollow pocket near the face on the sleeping surface. This pocket may cause infants to inhale their own carbon-dioxide-rich exhalations and suffocate from oxygen deprivation. Heavy bedding and soft stuffed animals that can trap air in the bed should also be avoided.

Research indicates that overheating from too much clothing, exceptionally warm bedding, or a hot room may significantly increase the risk of SIDS for an infant with a common cold or other infection. A constant indoor temperature of 20° to 21° C (68° to 70° F) will minimize overheating.

Breast-feeding appears to decrease the risk of SIDS, apparently because it helps prevent respiratory, gastric, and intestinal illnesses, infections, and certain immune disorders that may make infants more susceptible to SIDS. Eliminating smoking around the baby also decreases risk. A doctor may recommend the use of a heart and respiratory monitor for babies at high risk for SIDS. This machine sounds an alarm when the baby stops breathing or when the heart rate is too high or low. Infant caretakers are encouraged to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case an infant stops breathing (see Artificial Respiration).

SIDS is a devastating event for parents, who need support and reassurance for many months afterwards. SIDS support groups, comprised of other parents who have had similar experiences, can be particularly valuable.

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About the Author:
Nelson Ndalila is a recognized infertility expert and health practitioner from Nottingham.  Discover more about current issues related to infertility through his site infertilityhospital.blogspot.com
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Things for a new baby are hard to resist for they are simply adorable and cute. First time moms find it hard to elude and tend to purchase a lot from baby clothes to luxury bedding ensemble and its accouterments. It is fun to shop for affordable nursery bedding set but there are more practical ways to approach in buying only what is necessary.

A receiving blanket and a fitted crib sheet are the most important usable pieces of baby bedding. Diaper leaks, vomits or spit up require enough of these types of baby linen. There is a need to change crib sheets several times to keep the baby comfortable. Nothing is worst than running out of clean sheets in the middle of the night. Likewise, receiving blankets become quickly soiled that there must be more than enough supply.

No matter how lavish and adorable a crib comforter can be, it is an unnecessary piece of baby bedding. Although a crib comforter is included in most baby bedding sets, it is unsafe for use. It will only end up being hung on a quilt rack or displayed on the wall.

Comforter could possibly suffocate the baby while lying on top of it. The quilt of the comforter could only sink the baby’s head and as the baby is too small to lift and turn his/her head, can only cause breathing obstruction. Stuffed, toys, pillows and other plushy bedding including comforter are recommended mostly by Pediatricians to be outside of baby’s crib.

Dust ruffles and bumper pads are ordinarily included in baby’s crib sets. They are every bit of no beneficial use for a newborn infant. A dust ruffle poses no danger to the baby but removing and washing is painstaking for a mom and is not worth the bother. Meanwhile, bumper pads are useless; they become necessary to use when the baby starts to crawl and scoot around in the crib.

There are more different types of bedding that babies may need as they grow. Avoid the ones that are too expensive and make sure that the cheaper ones are organically produced so that the baby is protected from allergies and other skin disorders. The foremost consideration in buying nursery bedding, equally important to usefulness is the safety and comfort of the baby.

Whether you are a new mom or buying gifts for a first-time mom, it is money well-spent if you will invest in affordable nursery bedding particularly in quality bed sheets and receiving blankets. Complement this bedding with nice washcloths and soft towels to complete a gift set that any mom would appreciate.

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About the Author:
PureComfortLinens.com, the ecommerce outlet of Vicera Enterprises, Inc., a duly registered corporation, offers a wide variety of high quality bedding and accessories for every bedroom in your house. It carries simple and colorful linens, stylish bedspreads, conventional comforters with self corded edge finish, etc., balmy pillows, beautiful pillow cases and other bed accouterments. We have been providing consumers with durability and comfort at reasonable prices.
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Sibling Gift Ideas

When you get an invitation to a baby shower, your thoughts probably immediately focus on what to get the new baby. Decisions range from what you should get that will be useful, such as bottles, personalized baby gifts, diapers, burp cloths and bibs to more extravagant items like a highchair or a bouncy seat.

Then there is the mom to be. Many shower goers realize that mom should be pampered during this time. A gift certificate for a massage, body lotions and bath salts, all sorts of items that will help her relax after the baby is born.

What about the siblings? How do they feel about having a new brother or sister? Many children are indeed excited but still feel they may be forgotten about once the new baby arrives. It’s an excellent idea to not only have wonderful gifts for the baby and even mom to be, but for the siblings too.

When deciding on sibling gifts, take into consideration the age of the child or children as well as their likes and dislikes.

Personalized baby toys: If the child is young, a stuffed animal or soft cuddly baby doll is an excellent sibling gift. It makes them feel ass though they too have someone new to care for.

Educational toys: Instead of getting a random toy you think they would like, pick out something fun and educational. Mom and dad will appreciate the fact that you took the time to find something purposeful.

Personalized tee shirts: This is a common gift but it is still a hit. Have tee shirts made that say, “I’m the big brother” or “I’m the big sister” –they will love wearing the tee shirts on the day the new baby arrives.

Offer a play day: If you are close to the family, offer a few days of one on one time. Take the kids to a fun even t such as a movie or maybe even an amusement park. Do something with them that focuses on them only to make them feel special.

Getting a sibling gift is also a wonderful gift for the parents. They will appreciate the fact that you took the time to think about their other child or children. While the focus is usually always on the new baby, it is also on family as a whole.

When going to a baby shower, remember to have personalized baby gifts in hand for the new baby, a gift basket full of pampering goodies for the mom to be and something for the siblings.

 

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About the Author:
Author Kali Winters never goes to a baby shower without personalized baby gifts and Personalized baby toys for siblings in hand! She gets the best deals online at BabyStuffGifts.com
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The Evenflo Infant Car Seat

If you consider regarding newly born baby merchandise, Evenflo is frequently regarded as one of several leading businesses which make these goods. A product like this is usually an indispensable one for many couples with children and the Evenflo Infant Car Seat is considered to be the safest available on the market. Additionally it is as comfortable as it is safe. It has passed or surpassed all of the safety assessments that are required from it by the government of the United States for example side impact tests and in addition it features a new EPS energy absorbing foam liner. There is a unique carry z handle which has a really ergonomic shape that will ensure it is an easy task to carry. There is additionally a five point harness which is effortlessly tweaked by the parent or perhaps guardian, in accordance with his or her preference. It is likewise coated with hypoallergenic material that will stop the little one’s skin from becoming irritated.

The harness was created so that the infant can come in and out of the automobile without difficulty. The base can also be varied to the most suitable position for the infant, and can be left where it is and the car seat may be unlocked from this therefore, the baby can easily be transported around in it. The pads are easily-removed as well as washable which in turn will make it simple to ensure that it stays at a satisfactory hygiene level. The base boasts a level indicator which assists with the actual installation. The canopy that is supplied with the Evenflo Infant Car Seat can also be varied to help keep him or her in cover from the sun. These kinds of items are an outstanding solution to the safety as well as comfort considerations whenever investing in a child car seat.

Evenflo Infant Car Seat

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About the Author:
Born in Liverpool UK in 1979.
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Rainforest Jumperoo toys by Fisher-Price

Everything your baby needs can be found in this Rainforest Jumperoo. Its newly designed frame allows you to opens it up from the top, and lets the seat rotate 360 degrees so baby can play and interact from any side. A fun seat and toys at five locations on the platform engage baby all the way around, and an electronic toy at the front has motion, music and lights that can be activated by baby spinning a drum.

Seat also features a bobbling elephant, a monkey swinging from a vine, a parrot hanging from a bead bar, a clear spinning bead ball, a tiger that plays hide and seek, a spinning lizard that makes rattling sounds, a tethered chew toy and a stack of chips with cute graphics for baby to explore. Two soft leaves extend from the frame to create an overhead ‘canopy’ with soft toys that dangle down for fun bat-at play. Jumperoo has has three height adjustments for extended use. Frame pivots to a nested position so it can be tucked away when not in use. Includes a motion sensor that encourages kids by rewarding them with lights and sounds when they jump. Weight Capacity is 25 pounds. Requires 3 “AA” batteries, not included. Introduce baby to a place full of exciting sights and sounds and lots of safe jumping fun with the Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo.

The Rainforest Jumperoo is a safe and comfortable place for baby to sit and play, whether he stays for just a moment or for several minutes. Two soft leaves extend from the frame to create an overhead canopy with soft toys that dangle down for fun bat-at play. It also features a rotating seat with soft spring covers that keep little fingers safe from pinching, and three-position height adjustment for a custom fit. Everything your baby needs at play-time can be found in this Rainforest Jumperoo.

A fun seat and toys at five locations on the platform engage baby all the way around, and an electronic toy at the front has motion, music and lights that can be activated by baby spinning a drumLittle explorers will also enjoy playing with the Jumperoo’s many animals and toys, including a bobbling elephant, a monkey swinging from a vine, a parrot hanging from a bead bar, a clear spinning bead ball, a tiger that plays hide and seek, a spinning lizard that makes rattling sounds, a tethered chew toy, and a stack of chips with eye-catching graphics for baby to explore.

The Rainforest Jumperoo is designed to help encourage healthy development. Moving, spinning, and jumping in a baby jumper enhances large motor skills. Secondly, the variety of textures integrated into the rainforest toys provide tactile stimulation, while the bright colors and fun music engage your child’s visual and auditory senses. This educational system also enhances learning through discovery; baby’s actions make things happen, helping him to understand cause and effect. Finally, reaching and grasping onto the baby jumper’s toys fosters eye-hand coordination. More here…

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About the Author:
I am a stay at home Mom with 4 children. My hobby is write a article about baby.
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