On February 3rd, a new study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association finds the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is linked to low serotonin production in the brainstem. In addition to setting the foundation for potentially finding the ability to identify babies at risk for SIDS, the study found that at least one SIDS risk factor in a staggering 95% of all cases in the study.

The CJ Foundation for SIDS funded the study in part, and is a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting the SIDS community through research, services and public awareness. aden + anais is working with the CJ Foundation for SIDS on the Sleep in Safety Grow in Style campaign to raise awareness of SIDS risk factors. As the recent study suggests, education about risk factors is important. (For more information on the new study, see the video Low Serotonin Levels linked to SIDS from the Today Show.)

Safer Sleep for Babies

While the cause of SIDS remains unclear, there are known risk factors. Here are some steps parents can take to provide a safer sleep environment for babies and minimize risk:

• Consider the use of fans to increases ventilation
• Room temperature should be comfortable for a lightly-clothed adult, approximately 61-67 degree Fahrenheit
• Cribs should be totally free of all loose blankets, stuffed animals and crib bumpers
• Lay baby to sleep in an improved crib, on a firm mattress; do not let the baby sleep on soft things, like a couch, pillow, sheepskin, foam pad or waterbed
• No smoking when pregnant or near baby
• If possible, breastfeed baby
• Offer a pacifier at bedtime
• Co-sleeping should be in the same room but not the same bed or other sleep surface as parents

Sleep in Style

Parents are urged to remove loose blankets from the crib while keeping a cool environment because overheating is a major risk factor for SIDS. But how do you keep baby warm? One safe alternative is a wearable blanket or Sleepsack. aden + anais, known for their cotton muslin swaddling blankets, has a variety of cute Sleeping Bags. The Cozy Sleeping Bag boasts 4 layers of muslin to keep baby warm during the cold nights. Like all aden + anais products, the Cozy Sleeping Bag designs are clean and modern with a touch of whimsy.I love that the Sleeping Bags are available in four sizes to accommodates babies from birth to age 2.

Shop! Keep baby safe and comfortable in aden + anais Cozy Sleeping Bags – available at 8 patterns for $39.95.

Win! An aden + anais Cozy Sleeping Bag!

How to Enter: Visit aden + anais and tell me your favorite Sleeping Bag pattern.

Bonus Entries – please leave a separate comment for each you do:

* Fan aden + anais on Facebook
* Fan The CJ Foundation for SIDS on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet – you may do this every day. Just leave a comment with your link. Win an aden + anais Cozy Sleeping Sack and keep baby safe and warm @TheShopping Mama http://bit.ly/dhye1w
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Be a Shopping Buddy, aka, follow in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a RSS
* Blog about this giveaway including a link to this post
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 19. Open to US  and Canadian mailing addresses. Thanks to aden + anais for providing the giveaway prize.

You may also like:

• ZZZTime by SootheTIME: Products to Help Baby Sleep Safe Review
• aden + anais Cozy Sleeping Bag Review