Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby between the ages of one month and one year old. Even after a thorough investigation, there may not be a clear cause of death.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the symptoms, causes, and prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
What do I need to know about SIDS?
Sudden infant death syndrome usually comes with no warning, with many babies dying in their sleep. The exact cause of SIDS is unknown, but there are a few risk factors to avoid with your baby. These include:
- Putting your baby on their side or stomach to sleep instead of on their back, which can cause breathing difficulties
- Dressing your baby in too many layers, which can cause them to overheat
- Your baby sleeping on a surface that is too soft
- Having fluffy blankets and toys in the bed with them
The risk of SIDS can increase if your baby was born premature, had a low birth weight, or had a sibling who died of SIDS.
The risks also tend to increase in mothers who:
- Are under 20 years of age when their babies are born
- Smoke while they are pregnant
- Received little or no prenatal care
Ways to reduce the risks of SIDS
There are lots of things you can do at home to minimize the risks of SIDS, and many of these focus on creating a safe sleeping environment for your baby. Place your child on their back when you put them in their crib, stroller, or Moses basket. Keep their head uncovered and place them so their feet touch the end of the crib.
In the first six months of a baby’s life, it makes sense to place their cot in your room, as this can halve the risk of SIDS. You are more likely to hear any issues they have with their breathing. If there are any smokers in the house, make sure that wherever your baby is sleeping is smoke-free. Also, avoid sleeping with your baby on a sofa or armchair.
When choosing a crib, make sure it has a baby-friendly design, with a firm mattress that keeps your baby from falling between the side of the crib and the mattress or getting their head trapped in the bars. Use only a fitted sheet in the crib, and remove any loose bedding, toys, and pillows, as these carry a choking risk.
Other things you can do to minimize the risks of SIDS include:
- Breastfeed your baby
- Get your baby vaccinated
- Give your baby tummy time when they are awake to prevent “flat head” syndrome
- Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking during and after the pregnancy
Want more information?
Sudden infant death syndrome is a cause of concern for all parents, and while there is no way to eliminate the risks of SIDS completely, there are things you can do to minimize the risk. One of those things is to attend your regular well-baby visits. During these sessions, your doctor will give your baby a health check and administer any vaccinations, and you get an opportunity to address any concerns you have.
If you have any concerns or want to book your latest well-baby session, contact Indian Crest Pediatrics in Arvada.