More deaths occur from SIDS between one and six months of age. African American and Indian American babies have greater risks for SIDS than white babies. To keep your baby safe, follow these easy steps to help prevent SIDS:
BACK TO SLEEP! Always place your baby on his or her back when sleeping. Only place your baby on his or her tummy when you are having play "tummy time." and the baby is supervised.
Never place fluffy bedding or toys in your baby's crib.
Use a safety-rated crib for your baby with a firm mattress.
Never overheat your baby. Keep your baby comfortable but not too warm.
Never smoke in the house or near your baby.
RSV 123's
My newborn was sick with a cold or ear infection. I thought I knew that much. So I took him to the doctor, expecting an antibiotic and instructions for plenty of fluids and rest. What I did not expect was to be escorted to a separate room, away from other patients, with a call to the hospital shortly thereafter. Our pediatrician explained my son had Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV.
RSV is a common cold to you and me but to a baby, RSV can cause serious respiratory infections and pneumonia. It usually occurs in the winter or spring during the cold and flu season. RSV can even cause the development of asthma later in life.
Symptoms of RSV may include a runny nose, sleep apnea, fever, wheezing, rapid breathing, poor appetite or coughing. Babies who are admitted to the hospital may be treated with supplemental oxygen, intravenous fluids and tube feedings if necessary. Because RSV is caused by a virus, little ones are often treated with supportive care, since antibiotics are not able to fight a virus.
RSV can be highly contagious. That is why they separated me and my baby from the rest of the clinic. If your baby's siblings have a cold, keep them away from the newborn until symptoms are gone. Infants who are admitted to the hospital are kept away from other patients due to the contagious nature of this virus.
