Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
From LoveToKnow Baby
Nobody wants to experience the death of a precious infant. It is very difficult to handle any type of infant death, but those parents who lay their children down to sleep only to discover when they go to get them out of bed that they have died have been dealt an agonizing blow. Not knowing the reason for their baby's death can compound the sorrow. The Sudden Infant Death Organization is doing all that it can to help prevent these senseless deaths from occurring.
What Is SIDS?
SIDS, which stands for sudden infant death syndrome, is a medical term that describes the unexplained, sudden death of an infant. Typically, all other causes of death have been ruled out through an autopsy and review of the infant's medical history. Approximately 7,000 babies each year die from SIDS, and SIDS is not discriminatory. It affects all races and people from all socioeconomic levels. Sudden infant death syndrome is the most common cause of death in infants from ages one month to one year.
Who Is At Risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?
Because SIDS is still such a mystery to scientists and doctors, it is hard to say who is at risk. There are certain risk factors which have been identified, but that doesn't mean that those infants who have those risk factors will suffer SIDS. On the other hand, infants who appeared to have had none of the risk factors have died without any known explanation. The most critical months appear to be between two and four. Ninety percent of sudden infant death syndrome cases have occurred by six months of age. Scientists continue to feverishly work to find a cause. Some risk theories include:
- stress in a baby, due to infection, illness, or other factors
- birth defects
- developmentally delayed
- rapid growth periods
Reducing the Risks of SIDS
While there is not one particular way to prevent SIDS from occurring, you can take certain steps to lessen the risk.
- Placing your baby to sleep on her back is one of the most important steps you can take. The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer supports side-sleeping in infants. Although many parents worry that their baby might strangle or choke if he or she spits-up while on her back, there is no evidence to support this theory.
- Do not cover your baby's head while she is sleeping. The intake of stale air has been one of the concerns in the risk of SIDS.
- Use a firm mattress for your baby's bed. Be sure that it meets the current standards set aside by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- Don't use blankets, comforters, or sheets in your infant's bed. Instead, dress him appropriately in footed pajamas and blanket sleepers.
- Don't place animals or other toys in baby's bed.
- Don't co-sleep with your baby. If you want him in your room, bring his bassinet next to your bed or purchase a portable bed for him.
- Don't smoke during your pregnancy or after the baby is born, and don't allow others to smoke around your baby. Smoke is believed to interfere with an infant's nervous system and breathing.
- Monitor your room temperature. Don't keep your house too warm, which can cause baby to remain in a deeper sleep.
- Schedule regular well-care visits with your pediatrician.
For more information, be sure to visit the Sudden Infant Death Organization and talk to your doctor.
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