SIDs in Texas in 2021
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a major public health concern, with more than 3,200 infants dying from it each year in the United States. Below is an overview of SIDS in Texas in 2021 and how many babies have died from it.
Deaths from SIDS in Texas in 2021
So far in 2021, there have been a total of 184 SIDS deaths in Texas, which is slightly lower than the previous year. The majority of the deaths occurred in newborns, accounting for 161 deaths and representing 87.5% of the total number of SIDS deaths in the state. The most deaths occurred in infants under the age of two months, with 114 infants dying from SIDS in this age group.
Risk Factors for SIDS in Texas Infants
There are several risk factors for SIDS in infants, including:
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- Sleep Position: Infants who are put to sleep on their stomachs or sides are at an increased risk for SIDS.
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- Parental Smoking: Exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of SIDS.
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- Soft Bedding and Overlay: Bedding that is too soft or overly thick can lead to suffocation in infants.
- Premature Birth: Preterm infants are more likely to die from SIDS than full-term infants.
Preventing SIDS in Texas
It is important to be aware of risk factors and take steps to reduce incidents of SIDS in Texas. Parents should:
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- Always put their baby to sleep on their back.
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- Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
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- Provide a firm and flat sleep surface for their baby.
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- Avoid using soft beds, pillows, or stuffed animals in the baby’s sleep area.
- Keep the baby’s sleep area free of any objects that could cause suffocation.
By taking these steps, parents can help to reduce the number of SIDS deaths in Texas and ensure their babies are kept as safe as possible.