Study shows using a fan during sleep may reduce SIDS risk

I read an article about a recent study performed by the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland CA stating that using a fan to ventilate the air in baby's room during sleep may reduce the risk of SIDS by 72%. They also found that opening a window in baby's room may also reduce the risk. More studies need to be done, but the theory seems to be that the fan/open window helps ventilate the air thus helping to keep the infant from re-breathing exhaled carbon dioxide. Using a fan to ventilate the air does not replace the other recommendations for reducing SIDS - placing infants on their backs to sleep, removing soft blankets and bedding from cribs, keeping the room temperature comfortable and not too warm, keeping baby's environment smoke free, and using a pacifier. More studies need to be done, but the information is interesting. Read the full Kaiser article.