Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Awareness for new mothers

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the primary cause of death among infants of one month and one year of age. In 2017, the infant mortality rate was 5.79 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, and SIDS was the fourth leading cause of mortality. Approximately 1360 infants died of SIDS in the year 2017 [1, 2].

SIDS is defined as the sudden, unexplained death of a healthy infant under one year of age that remains unexplained even after a complete investigation that includes an autopsy, review of medical history, the examination of a death scene. It is commonly known as “crib death” or “cot death” because it is associated with the time when an infant is sleeping [1].

What causes SIDS?

The fact that even doctors are not sure about the causes of SIDS makes it the leading cause of death in infants. However, a combination of factors that can make a baby more vulnerable to SIDS are demonstrated in Figure 1 [3].

Figure 1: Factors causing SIDS

How can the risk be reduced? [4]

Although there is no clear-cut way to prevent SIDS, researchers believe that there are various ways to minimize the risk of SIDS and other sleep related causes of infant death.

Always place the baby on its back

Making the infants sleep on their backs is the safest position for newborns until they are 12 months old. A baby made to sleep on the side or stomach is at a higher risk of SIDS than the one sleeping on its back. However, once the baby is almost six months old and learns to roll over both ways, let them sleep in their desired position.

Use a firm and flat surface

The soft surfaces such as a couch, sofa, waterbed, quilt, or a blanket can be dangerous for the newborns as it might lead to suffocation, entrapment, or strangulation. Always use firm and flat surfaces such as a mattress in safety approved crib covered by a fitted sheet that should not include any other bedding or soft items in the sleep area. Avoid putting soft toys, sheepskin, or crib bumpers in the baby’s sleep area.

Keep your baby away from overheating

Dress your infants appropriately for the sleep environment in sleep clothing such as wearable blankets to keep them warm without the need for loose sheets. Parents and caregivers should watch over the baby and take care of any signs of overheating, for instance, sweating or baby’s chest feeling hot to touch. Always keep the baby’s face and head uncovered during sleep.

Give your baby plenty of tummy time

Tummy time under the supervision of an adult is proven healthy for the infant as it strengthens the baby’s neck, shoulders, and muscles of the arms. Also, it prevents the flat spots on the back of the baby’s head.

A few measures every mother should take care of to minimize the risk of SIDS are depicted in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Measures to lower the risk during pregnancy and after childbirth

Keep your sleeping baby close, but not in your bed

Studies have proven that when an infant sleep in the same room as its mother, the risk of SIDS is reduced. However, it is dangerous for a baby to sleep with an adult or another child in the same bed. Always make sure to put the baby back in its sleep area after feeding or comforting and avoid any soft item near you while feeding. If the mother is tired or on some medications that make her feel dizzy, never bring the baby to feed on the bed.

Breastfeed the baby if you can

Breastfeeding can help lower the risk of SIDS for infants and is beneficial for mothers. Some experts believe that breast milk protects babies from the risk of infections that raise their SIDS risk. Avoid alcohol consumption when breastfeeding.

Consider using a pacifier for baby during sleep time

If the mother is breastfeeding, waiting for one month before introducing the pacifier is ideal. Introducing it too early might lead to nipple confusion, which may lead to the baby's preference for the pacifiers’ nipple. Keep the pacifier clean and buy a new one if the nipple is damaged. Never force a pacifier in the baby’s mouth if he doesn’t want it. Put it in the baby’s mouth when you put him down to sleep but never put it back once it falls asleep.

Note: The healthcare provider of your baby is always available to answer any questions you have about SIDS and its prevention.

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Reference:

1.            NIH. Fast Facts About SIDS [Available from: [https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/safesleepbasics/SIDS/fastfacts#f1] [Accessed on November 04, 2019].

2.            Kochanek KD, Murphy, S.L., Xu, J.Q., & Arias, E.  . Deaths: Final data for 2017. National Vital Statistics Reports. 2019; 68.

3.            Clinic M. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) 2018 [Available from: [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20352800] [Accessed on: November 04, 2019].

4.            NIH. How can I reduce the risk of SIDS? 2019 [Available from: [https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/sids/conditioninfo/reduce] [Accessed on: November 04, 2019.