New Study Reveals Simple Way to Help Prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

"Babies who slept in a room with a fan were 72% less likely to die from SIDS…"

A study released this week by the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, found that having a fan going in the room where a baby sleeps decreases the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by a startling 72%. (Photo: WBIR)

Doctors reportedly don't know all the reasons why this seems to work, except that improving circulation of the air in baby's room (though not blowing directly on the child) is important since the infant's neck muscles are not strong enough to always turn his head toward fresh air. Exhaled carbon dioxide can build up, says the study, between the baby's face and the mattress, causing him to re-breathe that used air.

The research needs further study, says Marian Willinger of the National Institutes of Health, and she reiterates that putting a baby on her back to sleep is still the most important way to prevent SIDS.