Infant Sleep and SIDS Prevention

baby-handSIDS is the primary cause of death for infants between the ages of one month and one year of age, and is most common amongst infants between two and four months. SIDS, also known as crib death, stands for sudden infant death syndrome. It is the term used to describe the unexpected, unexplained death of a baby. No one knows what exactly causes SIDS, but there are steps you can follow to avoid such tragedy.

Baby should sleep in the room with you for at least the first six months. That way you can easily recognize your infants’ cues and know when something is needed. This also results in less crying.

If your baby is in a crib or bassinet, make sure that it is free of toys, bumpers, loose or soft blankets, and anything that may obstruct your infants’ breathing. Do not lay baby on a waterbed, soft mattress, sofa, pillow, or other soft surface to sleep as this too may cause a blockage in airways. The surface that your baby sleeps on should be firm. It is recommended that baby sleep on his or her back for optimal oxygen flow. Back-sleeping babies awaken easier, have a lower chance of getting overheated, and are less likely to suffocate.

Do not go to sleep with baby in your bed! Instead, consider a co-sleeping attachment. Make sure your infant has light clothing on and that his or her blanket comes up no further than his or her chest. You want your infant to be comfortable, not too hot or cold. Adjust the room temperature if necessary. A good temperature is about 65 to 70 degrees F.

Take these SIDS prevention steps every time you put your baby to sleep, and then relax and enjoy every valuable moment with your new edition!

Career and Motherhood: Is it possible?


Going back to work after having a child can be a bit difficult, especially with your first child. But, in the current economy most of us have no other option. Most families require two incomes to survive in these hard times. We have to make the best of what we have to work with, and it is possible to have a rewarding career and be an attentive mother. Below are a few tips for making this work for you.

 

One very popular option is working from home. Many mothers and fathers have discovered the telecommute option and are making it work with their busy family lives. Do your research online, or check with your current employer to see if they have a telecommute option available. Many companies have chosen to outsource telecommute help to avoid sending their work overseas and to avoid the high cost of opening new call centers and offices. There are many options available, just keep in mind while searching that you should never have to pay to work, and you will avoid most scams.

If telecommuting will not work with your chosen profession, and you are still planning to return to work, your next dilemma will be locating good childcare. Some of us are blessed with family that is able to help with the care of our children, but if you do not have family nearby, you may have to start the grooling task of finding trustworthy and reliable childcare. Do your research, visit with the childcare provider(s) and trust your instincts. "Mother knows best," has never been truer than in this situation. You will find someone that you can trust and be well on the road to a rewarding career and family life without the stress of not having the funds to support your family.