SIDS is commonly known as cot death and it is the sudden unexpected death of an infant younger than 1 year. Most babies die in their sleep peacefully. The cases of SIDS are rare. It tends to occur mostly in the first six months of child birth and is more common in boys than in girls. The exact causes and treatment of SIDS are not known. But there are lots of practical steps to avoid the risk.
Causes of SIDS
The exact cause of SIDS is unknown but it has been linked with certain risk factors. These are as follows:
1. Stomach sleeping is one of the foremost risk factor for SIDS. Many studies have found incidents of SIDS in babies who sleep on their bellies instead of their backs or sides. A hypothesis suggested for this is the narrowing of airway passage due to increased pressure on an infant’s jaw. Another theory suggests that stomach sleeping increases the chance of infant to re-breathe his or her own exhaled air.
2. Exposure to tobacco smoke can increase the risk of SIDS. Smoking during pregnancy can increase the chances of SIDS by 4 times. And exposure to tobacco smoke after birth can increase the risk by 8 times.
3. The babies born prematurely or with less body weight are more susceptible to SIDS.
4. Multiple baby birth can also lead to SIDS.
5. Babies who sleep in the same bed with their parents are more prone to accidental situations leading to SIDS.
6. Babies who sleep in cribs with a soft mattress can also have SIDS.
7. SIDS can be due to the abuse of recreational drugs by mother during pregnancy.
8. Lack of prenatal care by mother also causes SIDS.
10. Increased body temperature of baby due to overdressing, excessive covering etc. can increase the rate of metabolism in their body which leads to loss of breathing control.
Symptoms of SIDS
The death due to SIDS is much unexpected and the baby does not seem to suffer or struggle.
Prevention of SIDS
1. Be careful about the sleeping position of the child. Do not make your child sleep on his stomach. Side sleeping should also be avoided. Always make your child sleep on his back.
2. Do not share the bed. Always make your child sleep in his crib. Never let the baby sleep with adults or other children.
3. The surface or mattress of the crib shouldn’t be too soft. It should be stiff and firm.
4. Stop smoking during pregnancy and also make your home a smoke free environment.
5. To avoid accidents during sleep, always make your baby sleep in a crib.
6. Keep your baby at a comfortable temperature. Do not increase the temperature of the room to high degrees or avoid using excessive coverings.
7. Breastfeed your baby as it helps to prevent certain upper respiratory tract infections.
8. When the baby is going off to sleep offer it a pacifier. This will open the airway passage more and prevent baby from falling into a deep sleep.