This month, the American SIDS Institute and the Aaron Matthew SIDS Research Guild of Seattle Children’s Hospital launched First Steps for SIDS , an online video campaign to raise awareness and funds to support preventative measures for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants 1 to 12 months old, and about 1,500 babies died from SIDS in the US in 2016, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . The campaign features an online video contest recognizing the “first steps” milestone in a baby’s life, while also bringing SIDS into the spotlight.
“People in the US may be surprised to learn that, among developed nations, we have one of the highest infant mortality rates, ranked 32 among 36 nations. Moreover, the number of unexpected and unexplained deaths has not gone down since the mid-'90s,” explains John Kahan, founder of the Aaron Matthew SIDS Research Guild of Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Parents and grandparents are encouraged to submit videos of their child’s first steps on firststepsforsids.org . All who participate will be asked to make a $5 donation to vote on their favorite video, with 100 percent of the proceeds used to support SIDS research. Videos with the largest number of votes will be announced on Jan. 15.
Winners will be eligible for some pretty sweet prizes: The grand prize winner will win a trip for four to Disneyland; the first place winner will receive a Microsoft Surface computer; two second place winners will receive an Xbox One; and both third place winners will receive an REI-co-op bike.
Be sure to learn about the the SIDS risk factors and how you can keep baby safe while she sleeps.
style="color:var(--color-dark-gray600)">Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
