<P> Reducing chances of babies being born at low birth weights and contracting pneumonia can be accomplished by improving air quality . Improving hygiene can prevent infant mortality . Home - based technology to chlorinate, filter, and solar disinfection for organic water pollution could reduce cases of diarrhea in children by up to 48% . Improvements in food supplies and sanitation has been shown to work in the United States' most vulnerable populations, one being African Americans . Overall, women's health status need to remain high . </P> <P> Simple behavioral changes, such as hand washing with soap, can significantly reduce the rate of infant mortality from respiratory and diarrheal diseases . According to UNICEF, hand washing with soap before eating and after using the toilet can save more lives of children than any single vaccine or medical intervention, by cutting deaths from diarrhea and acute respiratory infections . </P> <P> Future problems for mothers and babies can be prevented . It is important that women of reproductive age adopt healthy behaviors in everyday life, such as taking folic acid, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, being physically active, avoiding tobacco use, and avoiding excessive alcohol and drug use . If women follow some of the above guidelines, later complications can be prevented to help decrease the infant mortality rates . Attending regular prenatal care check - ups will help improve the baby's chances of being delivered in safer conditions and surviving . </P> <P> Focusing on preventing preterm and low birth weight deliveries throughout all populations can help to eliminate cases of infant mortality and decrease health care disparities within communities . In the United States, these two goals have decreased infant mortality rates on a regional population, it has yet to see further progress on a national level . </P>

Reasons for high infant mortality rate in india