SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
What Is SIDS?
Sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS) is the unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than one year old.
SIDS DEATH RATE BETWEEN 1994 AND 2009
In the year 1994, the number of yearly deaths caused by SIDS was 250. Since then, the death rate has dropped to just below 100 deaths per year, although it is different each year.
REDUCING THE RISK OF SIDS
Place the baby on it's back and make sure that there is no clutter in the crib. Leave the babies face uncovered and dress the baby so that it does not overheat. Make sure there are no loose items in the crib.
SIDS RATE WHEN BABY SLEEPS ON BACK
The higher number of babies that are sleeping on their backs reduces the rate of SIDS deaths. The less number of babies that are sleeping on their backs increases the rate of SIDS deaths. In 1992, 13 percent of babies slept on their backs and the death rate was 1.2 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2006, 75.7 percent of babies slept on their backs and the death rate was .55 deaths per live births.
What Puts a Baby At Risk?
Potential Risk Factors
- Smoking, drinking, or drug use during pregnancy
- Poor prenatal care
- Prematurity or low weight birth
- Mothers younger than age 20
- Tobacco smoke exposure after birth
- Overheating from excessive sleepwear and bedding
- Stomach sleeping position
Symptoms/Signs of SIDS
Most conditions are diagnosed by the presence of specific symptoms after all possible causes of death have been ruled out. Doctors review the infant's medical history, sleeping environment, and autopsy to distinguish whether the death was from an accident, abuse, and undiagnosed conditions such as cardiac or metabolic disorders.
What To Do When Your Baby is Affected by SIDS
If the baby is overheated, undress the baby and let them cool down. Call 911 at any time when you think your baby is affected by SIDS. The quicker you notice the signs and call 911, the likelier chance your baby will have of survival. If your baby does not make it, there are SIDS support groups available to help with the healing process.
Preventing SIDS
When an infant, especially under the age of one, is sleeping, place the baby on their back. Never put a child to sleep lying face-down on their stomach or on their side.
Sources
"Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)." - Mayo Clinic. Web. 12 Oct. 2015.
Jr., Floyd. "Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)." KidsHealth - the Web's Most Visited Site about Children's Health. The Nemours Foundation, 1 Apr. 2014. Web. 12 Oct. 2015.