Health

Study: Fans Can Help Reduce Risk Of SIDS

DENVER (CBS4) ― Parents of small children have a lot on their minds, but nothing is scarier than sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Now a simple addition to the nursery could lower the risk of SIDS.

SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants 1 to 12 months. Prior research has shown a baby's sleep environment can change the risk for SIDS. A new study from Kaiser Permanente suggests adding a fan to the bedroom can make the room safer.

When Jennifer Pazos puts 9-month-old Abby down for a nap she gives her a pacifier, lays her on her back, plays some soothing music and starts a small fan clipped to the crib. Pazos added the fan four months ago after making a discovery while on a family vacation.

"She was sleeping next to an air conditioner and the noise really helped her sleep through the night," Pazos said.

Turns out Pazos may be helping her baby more than she imagined. According to the study, infants who slept in a bedroom with a fan ventilating the air had a 72 percent lower risk of SIDS.

"What we're thinking, that this causes, is movement of air and improves the circulation in the room," Dr. Susan Pharo with Kaiser Permanente said.

That's important to keep a baby from re-breathing exhaled carbon dioxide.

Other studies have found putting infants to sleep on their backs in their own beds, avoiding comforters and quilts and using a pacifier can help cut the risk of SIDS.

Other things can reduce the risk of SIDS, such as keep infants from overheating, and do not smoke around them.

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