Pregnancy Lounge

Tag: sids

  • Pregnancy Articles

    Pregnancy can be confusing, so we put together a few articles to help you along the way. Enjoy!

    Lower Risks of SiDS

    Although SIDS is still a concern for parents, they can now equip themselves and their babies with knowledge to help lower risk factors thanks to the many studies and reports that are now out about SIDS.

    • Don’t put too many layers on your baby to prevent overheating.
    • Never put your baby on his or her back, but instead place on the side or back.
    • Choose breast feeding over bottle feeding.
    • Remove all items from the crib to provide a safe sleeping environment.
    • Don’t smoke while pregnant or around baby after birth.

    Read our article on, SIDS, Should I Be Worried

    Nails in Pregnancy

    In pregnancy, hair and nail changes can occur but don’t fret. If your nails are brittle or tear more easily in pregnancy, they will return to normal after you give birth. In my case, I had stronger nails due to the extra hormones when pregnant. Every pregnant woman is different. Read more on, Nails and Pregnancy

    More Pregnancy Articles

    Travel When Pregnant
    Bedrest in Pregnancy
    Nutrition and Diet
    Doulas and their Role
    Skin Changes
    Are Tanning Beds OK
    Hair Changes

  • SIDS Questions

    With regard to SIDs, is there a risk of choking when my baby sleeps on his or her back?

    Not usually, babies automatically swallow or cough up fluids. Doctors have found no increase in choking or other problems in babies sleeping on their backs.

    What about side sleeping?

    To keep your baby safest when he or she is sleeping, always use the back sleep position rather than the side position. Babies who sleep on their sides can roll onto their stomachs. A baby sleeping on his or her stomach is at greater risk of SIDS.

    Some infants may have health conditions that require them to sleep on their stomachs such as reflux.

    If you are unsure about the best sleep position for your baby, be sure to talk to your doctor or nurse.

    Some products claim to be designed to keep a baby in one position. These products have not been tested for safety and are NOT recommended.

    Are there times when my baby can be on his or her stomach?

    Yes, place your baby on his or her stomach for “tummy time,” when he or she is awake and someone is watching. When the baby is awake, tummy time is good because it helps your baby’s neck and shoulder muscles get stronger.

    Will my baby get “flat spots” on his or her head from back sleeping?

    For the most part, flat spots on the back of the baby’s head go away a few months after the baby learns to sit up. Tummy time, when your baby is awake, is one way to reduce flat spots. Another way is to change the direction you place your baby down to sleep. Doing this means the baby is not always sleeping on the same side of his or her head. If you think your baby has a more serious problem, talk to your doctor or nurse.

    What other things can I do to keep my baby healthy?

    • Eat the right foods if you are nursing.
    • Get frequent check-ups with your doctor or nurse.
    • Breastfeed your baby.
    • Take your baby for scheduled well-baby check-ups.
    • Make sure your baby gets his or her shots on time.
    • Enjoy your baby!