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?
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.
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