A death of an otherwise healthy
infant; it often occurs while the child is sleeping.
What is it? (Overview)
When a healthy baby under the age
of one dies suddenly, and doctors can’t determine
a cause after performing an autopsy, reviewing family
and medical history, and investigating the death scene,
the cause of death is considered Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome (SIDS).
SIDS is a recognized medical disorder.
Over the past twenty-five years, more than 100,000
infants have died suddenly and unexpectedly from SIDS.
What causes SIDS? (Causes)
No one really knows how or why SIDS
strikes. According to the National Institute of Child
Health and Human Development (NICHD), the incidence
of SIDS is highest between the ages of one to four months.
At this age, most babies are still unable to roll over
by themselves.
Other potential risk factors include:
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Smoking, drinking alcoholic
beverages, or drug use during pregnancy.
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Premature or low-birth weight.
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Smoke exposure following birth.
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How can I prevent it? (Prevention)
Unfortunately, there is no product
or medicine that can entirely prevent SIDS. Scientists
are still researching child development and the function
of the nervous system, the brain, the heart, breathing
and sleep patterns, body chemical balances, autopsy
findings, and environmental factors. There are, however,
some steps parents can take to help prevent SIDS:
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The single most important thing
you can do to help protect your baby is to place
the baby to sleep on its back ( fig.
1). 
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Don’t smoke during pregnancy,
and don’t allow smoking around your baby.
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Use firm, flat bedding and keep
toys out of the crib. Several studies have linked
soft sleeping surfaces to an increased risk of SIDS.
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Try not to overheat your baby. Too
warm a room or too much bedding is associated with
an increased risk of SIDS, especially if the baby
sleeps on its stomach. Keep the room your baby sleeps
in at a comfortable temperature (between 60 to 70
degrees Fahrenheit).
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Breastfeed your baby if you can.
While there is no evidence that directly links breastfeeding
with a decreased rate of SIDS, breast milk is thought
to keep babies healthier than formula.
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Remove pillows, quilts, comforters,
sheepskins, stuffed toys, and other soft products
from the crib.
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Consider using a sleeper or other
sleep clothing as an alternative to blankets, with
no other covering.
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If you use a blanket, position your
baby with his feet at the foot of the crib. Tuck
a thin blanket around the crib mattress, reaching
only as far as your baby's chest.
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Make sure your baby's head remains
uncovered while he sleeps.
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Do not place your baby on a waterbed,
sofa, soft mattress, pillow, or other soft surface
to sleep.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: Can sharing a bed with my
baby help reduce the risk of SIDS?
A: Some experts believe that
having your baby sleep in your bed reduces the risk
of SIDS. Some studies have shown co-sleeping alters
babies’ sleep patterns (making them lighter) and
allows mothers to respond more quickly to changes in
their baby’s breathing patterns and movements.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that while
co-sleeping can may synchronize sleep patterns to help
with breast feeding, it does not reduce the incidence
of SIDS. In fact, they warn that adults’ soft bedding
may be dangerous for babies, causing them to get trapped
and suffocate. You may want to consider keeping the
crib or bassinet next to your bed instead. Ask your
pediatrician more about sleeping with your baby.
Where can I find more information?
(Resources)
The Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Alliance
is a national, not-for-profit, voluntary health organization
dedicated to the support of SIDS families, education,
and research. Contact them toll free at 1-800-221-SIDS,
or visit their web site at http://www.sidsalliance.org
Sources
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