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Here's what you should know about SIDS risk factors and how to effectively avoid them.
What is SIDS?
SIDS is defined as the "sudden and unexpected death of a baby (under a year old) that remains unexplained after a thorough death scene investigation, autopsy, and review of clinical history," according to Dr Rani Koppula. SIDS is commonly known as "crib death" since it occurs when the infant is sleeping, which is a bit of a misnomer because cribs do not increase the risk of SIDS.SIDS is a component of the umbrella term Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), which comprises newborns that die abruptly in the first year of life for a variety of causes, including:
- Accidental suffocation (when an infant becomes caught in soft bedding)
- Entrapment (when a newborn becomes stuck between two things and is unable to breathe)
- Overlay (the act of someone rolling over or against a baby)
- Strangulation (wrapping anything around the baby's neck)
While these fatalities are often referred to as "sleep-related," experts believe they do not qualify as SIDS since there is a specific cause of death.
SIDS versus SUID
SIDS is not the cause of all sudden infant deaths. Researchers refer to these deaths as SUID, which stands for sudden unexpected infant death. SUID refers to all unexpected deaths. It covers both those with a recognised cause, such as asphyxia and those with no known cause, like SIDS. SIDS accounts for almost half of all SUID cases.What are the signs of SIDS?
Almost all SIDS deaths occur without warning indications or symptoms.What causes SIDS?
SIDS is defined as an inexplicable death, therefore the cause is unknown. However, researchers have investigated probable SIDS causes to better understand how they arise. The most widely accepted opinion is that newborns who die from SIDS have an underlying vulnerability, such as a hereditary trait or a neurological defect. When they are exposed to a trigger during early brain or immune system development, this vulnerability results in rapid death. The risk factors for SIDS and this propensity are:- Exposure to smoking during or after pregnancy
- Prenatal care is provided late or not at all
- A dangerous sleeping position or surroundings
- Teenage pregnancy
- Preterm or low birth weight
- Overheating
- Alcoholic beverages consumed throughout pregnancy
- Being assigned male at birth (AMAB)
- Being the sibling of a SIDS victim
- Being twins
- Having a history of breathlessness or apnoea
How to avoid SIDS?
SIDS is indeed terrifying. So, what can parents do to reduce their baby's SIDS risk? While there is no certain method to avoid SIDS, physicians suggest following the American Academy of Paediatrics' sleep recommendations to make infants as comfortable, cosy, and safe as possible.Here's what you should know.
The baby should sleep in your room on a different bed
For the first year of life, or at least the first six months, it is advised that babies sleep in the parents' room, near the parent's bed, but on a different surface made specifically for infants. Research demonstrates that since a parent can keep a closer eye on the child, this arrangement may lower the incidence of SIDS by up to 50%.Lay the baby on her back to sleep
Sleeping on the stomach, side, or any other non-back posture is an enormous risk factor for SIDS.Put the infant to sleep in a cot
SIDS was once known as cot death, therefore some parents assume that placing their infant to sleep on a bed, sofa, or bassinet can avoid it. But that's a myth as a cot is the safest location for a newborn. Even if the baby falls asleep in the car seat or stroller, they should be transferred to a cot if they will be sleeping for an extended period of time. Because newborns have limited head control, sleep-sitting up may obstruct the airways and deprive their lungs of oxygen.Get a decent cot with a firm mattress
Make sure your cot meets current safety regulations, including a firm mattress and a well-fitting sheet.Avoid using soft bedding and bumpers
You may think bumper pads are charming, but the experts recommend against using them. Contrary to popular belief, bumpers may smother, entrap, and even strangle newborns while sleeping.Get everything out of the cot
Don't worry about utilising accessories to make the baby comfortable; they'll be happy lying flat on their back. Never cover your baby's head with a blanket, avoid loose-fitting pyjamas and keep soft toys, blankets, cushions and plush animals out of the cot. Only a light swaddling blanket is acceptable for newborns aged 0 to 2 months.Lower the temperature
Don't let the baby overheat—a light sleep sack will keep them warm. Studies reveal that heated bedrooms increase the incidence of SIDS by roughly 4.5 per cent when compared to non-heated rooms. Keep the environment between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the infant comfortable and safe.Use a pacifier
Using a pacifier activates the baby's mind and body even when sleeping. At nighttime and during naps, think about providing a pacifier. Before you do, however, ensure that breastfeeding is firmly established, which typically takes three to four weeks. And, regardless of how old the infant is, make sure there is no string or fastener on the pacifier that can wrap around the baby's neck.Do not smoke
Make sure the cot is not placed in a smoking area. In fact, keeping the baby away from smoking is the best option—even while they’re still in the womb.Attention to detail is key to lowering your baby's risk of SIDS. Even though SIDS is uncommon, when it affects your infant, you'll want to do all you can to avoid it.
When to See a Doctor?
While there is no way to prevent SIDS, you can reduce your baby's risk by ensuring that they see their healthcare practitioner for all routine baby care visits. During these appointments, your baby's physician will ensure that they are healthy and developing normally. Your infant will get all of the recommended vaccines. You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about keeping your infant safe.Losing a baby to SIDs can be devastating. You may be experiencing wrath, despair, guilt, or shock. Every emotion is valid. If SIDS has affected you, you should seek help and support. Your healthcare physician can direct you to services to support you through the grief process. You might find it beneficial to join a support group for parents or carers who have lost a baby to SIDS. Alternatively, you may choose to speak with a counsellor one-on-one. In any case, allow yourself time to heal while dealing with this tragedy.
FAQs on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: What It Is and How to Avoid It?
- Can SIDS be prevented?
SIDS is the biggest cause of death among babies aged one month to one year, and it remains unexpected after years of study. Most importantly, babies under one year old should sleep on their backs, never on their stomachs or sides. - When can we stop worrying about SIDS?
SIDS fatalities are most common throughout the first year of a baby's life. Approximately 90% of SIDS fatalities occur before the age of six months. After a baby becomes one year old, parents might be less concerned about SIDS.
