Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death of an infant under one year of age, often during sleep. Risk factors include premature birth, exposure to tobacco smoke, and sleeping arrangements. Increased awareness and preventative education have reduced SIDS rates, and seeking routine medical care, breastfeeding, and avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke can help reduce risk. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs or sides and using only a firm, properly fitting crib mattress with no other blankets, pillows, or stuffed toys. Monitors can also be used for at-risk infants.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under one year of age. Most cases of SIDS are babies who die in their sleep. SIDS is a tragic event that leaves parents in despair and often blaming themselves, because in most cases, doctors cannot find a medical reason for the death.
The number of SIDS cases has decreased in recent years, largely due to increased awareness and preventative education for new parents. By recognizing known risk factors and learning proper sleep techniques, the annual rate of SIDS has been cut in half since the early 1990s. While there is still a lot to learn about SIDS, risk factors are known to increase under certain circumstances. These include premature births with a birth weight of 3.5 pounds (1,588 kilograms) or less, babies born to teenage mothers, exposure to tobacco smoke or narcotics in utero or after birth, and babies who have had older siblings die of SIDS.
Experts suggest that one way for a mother to reduce her baby’s risk of SIDS is to seek routine medical care early in her pregnancy. Breastfeeding is also recommended when possible, as studies have shown that breastfed babies have a lower rate of SIDS than formula-fed babies. Expectant mothers should also avoid exposure to tobacco smoke and other narcotics.
An infant’s sleeping arrangements are also thought to contribute to SIDS. A baby who sleeps in a crib with too much padding, whether from blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals, may begin to inhale carbon dioxide expelled from his lungs if the padding covers his face. Similarly, sleeping on your stomach increases the risk of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs or sides and using only a firm, properly fitting crib mattress with a fitted sheet and no other blankets, pillows, or stuffed toys.
When putting a newborn to bed, make sure they are dressed comfortably for the room temperature, but don’t overdress them. The risk of SIDS can also be reduced by using monitors with babies who are already at risk. Any mother of an at-risk infant can discuss monitors with her child’s pediatrician. Risk factor awareness and prevention are the most effective ways to reduce the SIDS rate. If you have a baby or are expecting, talk to your doctor for more information.
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