Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) – What You Should Know

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is when a seemingly healthy baby dies suddenly and unexpectedly. SIDS or “crib death” typically occurs during sleep. Although SIDS is extremely rare, it’s the most common cause of death for babies under 1 year old. SIDS is, understandably, frightening. No parent wants to even think about this tragic scenario. However, it’s crucial to be aware of it to reduce any potential risks.

What causes SIDS?

SIDS is a mystery. Scientists aren’t entirely sure what causes it. Yet, they believe there are potential causes, including a type of apnea (periods of stopped breathing during sleep). Or, brain differences in the area in charge of regulating breathing. There is also a combination of physical and environmental factors that can make a baby more vulnerable to SIDS.

Who is at risk?

No single factor is responsible for SIDS. In fact, several risk factors may contribute to death by SIDS. It’s possible to avoid some of these risk factors and that’s why it’s crucial to be aware of them.

Possible risks of SIDS include:

• a family history of SIDS;
• babies between 1 and 4 months old;
• babies of color (for reasons unknown to date);
• and boys, who are slightly more at risk of SIDS.

Physical factors

• premature birth or low weight at birth;
• respiratory infections;
• and brain developmental differences.

Environmental factors

• babies sleeping on their stomachs or sides before the age of 1;
• overheating while sleeping;
• sharing a bed with parents, siblings, or pets;
• sleeping on a surface that is too soft;
• crib that contains soft objects or hazardous objects;
• old or unsafe cribs;
• and sleep positioners (“nests” or “anti-roll” products).

Maternal or parental factors

• moms younger than 20 years old;
• smoking, drinking, or using drugs during and after pregnancy;
• exposure to tobacco smoke after birth;
• and not breastfeeding.

How can you prevent SIDS?

There’s no guaranteed way to avoid SIDS, but it’s possible to reduce your baby’s risk. The most important thing to do is to practice the ABCs of safe sleep: Alone, on the Back, and On a bare crib. Let’s look at those in more detail.

Sleeping alone

Practice room-sharing, not bed-sharing. Adult beds aren’t safe for babies. A little one can suffocate if a sleeping parent accidentally rolls over and covers their nose and mouth. A baby can also suffocate by becoming trapped in the space between the mattress and bed frame, or the mattress and the wall. That’s why experts recommend babies to sleep in their parents’ room, but on a separate surface. Let your baby sleep alone (no pets, no siblings) in a crib or bassinet specifically designed for infants. To reduce the risk of SIDS, do this until their first birthday.

Sleeping on the back

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) came up with the “Back to Sleep” campaign. This campaign encourages parents to place their babies on their backs when sleeping. Place your baby on their back until they are 12 months old. Older babies may not stay on their backs throughout the night. If this happens, there’s no reason to panic. Once your little one consistently rolls over from front to back and vice-versa, it’s OK for them to sleep in any position they prefer.

It’s important to discuss this with your partner, parents, friends, nanny, or anyone else who looks after your baby. Don’t assume they know the ABCs for safe sleep. Gently educate them and insist that they place your baby on their back for bedtime.

Don’t be tempted to purchase products that promise to reduce the risk of SIDS. Sleep positioners, wedges, and similar items may be hazardous for your baby and have the opposite effect.

Sleeping on a bare crib

Keep the crib as bare as possible. Place your baby on a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. You won’t need any other bedding. Avoid pillows, fluffy blankets, thick quilts, water beds, or any other surface that is too soft. Make sure there are no toys or stuffed animals in the crib as they can press against your baby and block their airways. Bumper pads are also dangerous — they can lead to suffocation and be a strangulation hazard. So, it’s best to avoid them altogether.

Last, but not least: don’t cover your baby with a blanket. This can cause overheating. Simply dress them for room temperature.

What else can you do to keep your baby safe and healthy?

• Get early and regular prenatal care. Get checkups from a doctor, nurse, or midwife throughout your pregnancy. This will help keep your baby safe and healthy after birth.
• Be your healthiest self. Make sure to ditch any unhealthy habits before and after pregnancy. This means no drinking, smoking, or taking recreational drugs. This includes your partner, relatives, or any friend who may babysit or spend time with your baby. Bear in mind that secondhand smoke can increase a baby’s risk of SIDS. Unhealthy habits like drinking or taking recreational drugs may prevent you from giving your little one the care they need.
• Breastfeed your baby. Unless you are physically unable to, breastfeed your baby. This decreases the risk of SIDS. If, for any reason, you’re struggling with breastfeeding, get in touch with your pediatrician or lactation consultant.
• Immunize your baby. Evidence suggests that routine immunizations can lower the risk of SIDS.
• Offer a pacifier. Sucking on a pacifier during naptime or bedtime may reduce the risk of SIDS. Just make sure the pacifier doesn’t have a string or strap, and that you offer it to your baby once you’ve settled into a breastfeeding routine. This can be around 3 or 4 weeks of age. If your baby rejects the pacifier, that’s OK — don’t force it and don’t pop it back in if it falls from their mouth.

Getting support after SIDS

Losing a baby for any reason is devastating, and there are no words that can take the pain away. Losing a baby to SIDS can be especially difficult. In addition to grief, parents may experience guilt and many other emotional challenges. This event may also put a strain on the parents’ relationship and take an emotional toll on siblings, grandparents, caretakers, and the whole family.

That is why finding professional help is critical. If you have lost a child or know anyone who has, please familiarize all the available resources and support tools. Counseling is one of the most effective ways to support your healing process. Depending on where you are, you may also find support groups, free counseling, and spiritual communities. The important thing is to understand that you aren’t alone and that there’s plenty of help available to you.