Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) occurrences are rare in the first month of life, peak between 1 and 3 months of age and decline after. Although the etiology remains unknown, independent risk factors for SIDS have been identified. This article examines the risk factors including gender, race and sleep position. The American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations for a Safe Sleep Environment is presented.


Program Objectives:

* Identify the independent risk factors for SIDS.

* List the benefits of prone positioning in the high-risk neonate.

* Identify the AAP recommendations for a safe sleep environment.



Faculty Name: Sandra L. Gardner, RN MS CNS PNP

Title: Director of Professional Outreach Consultation

Bio: Sandra L. Gardner, RN, MS, CNS, PNP, is Director of Professional Outreach Consultation, a national and international consulting firm established in 1980. Ms Gardner is also co-director and founder of Nurse’s Professional Development and Practice Association, LLC, (NPDPATM).

Ms. Gardner’s writing achievements include a wide variety of articles, pamphlets, chapters, and book reviews. She is co-editor with Gerald B. Merenstein, M.D., of Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care, 6th edition, 2006. She has co-edited with Mary Hagedorn a book entitled Legal Aspects of Maternal Child Nursing Practice, 1997. She is on the editorial board of Neonatal Network, and the Pre & Perinatal Psychology Journal.

Ms. Gardner is an active member of the Colorado Nurses Association/American Nurses Association, the National Association of Neonatal Nurses and The Academy of Neonatal Nursing. She is a founding member of the Colorado Perinatal Care Council, a state advisory council to the Governor and the State Health Department on perinatal/neonatal health care issues.

Program Date: March 2009

Media Format(s): Print (English)

Continuing Education Units: Nurse 1.0 Contact Hour