SIDS
By Heaven Winter
What is SIDS?
SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as crib death. It is the unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly normal baby less than 1 year of age.
What puts a baby at risk?
- The sex of the baby, males have a higher chance of getting SIDS
- The age of the baby, they are more vulnerable in the second or third month of life.
- The race of the baby, black, American Indians, or Eskimo infants are more likely to develop SIDS
- The family history, having a sibling or cousin who died of SIDS are more likely of SIDS
- Being around smokers and second hand smoking can put your baby at higher risk.
- Babies born premature have a higher risk of SIDS
Symptoms/Signs and Tests
Infant Development
SIDS may be linked with delay or abnormality in the development of nerve cells in the brain which are critical in proper lung and heart function. This can negatively affect the function and connectivity to regions regulating arousal during sleep.
Rebreathing Stresses
When a baby is laying face down, in a soft bed, or gas-trapping objects such as a blanket, comforters, waterbeds, and stuffed animals may cause the air movement around the baby to be impaired. This causes the baby to rebreathe carbon dioxide the baby had just exhaled.
Hyperthermia
Overdressing, using excess blankets/covers, or increase temperature can lead to an increase in metabolic rate and eventually loss of breathing control.
Ways to prevent/reduce risk of SIDS?
- Always put your baby to sleep on his back
- Don't put blankets or toys in the crib
- Use a pacifier at sleep time
- Don't smoke while pregnant or allow anyone to smoke around your infant
- Try to swaddle your baby
- Don't put your baby to sleep on his/her side
- Don't share your bed with baby
- Make sure the crib mattress is firm and tight-fitted
- Don't overdress your child or put his crib near a heat source
Statistics About SIDS
- SIDS is the leading cause of death in babies between the ages or 1 month and 1 year.
- 2,000 babies died from SIDS in 2010
- Babies that sleep in adult beds are at 40 times greater risk or SIDS
- Studies show that for infants who received any for any duration, have a 60% lower risk or SIDS
Who should you call if you believe your baby is affected by SIDS?
Call 911, there aren't many other options because the cause of SIDS is unknown.
SIDS Support Groups
SIDS America is a national, non-profit organization that provides hope, help and healing for parents and families who are dealing with a loss of a child of SIDS. They rally local financial and emotional support within the communities for the families.