Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a tragedy that occurs in young infants, usually between the ages of one to six months. Doctors usually find no cause of death in an infant who dies of SIDS and the one commonality in SIDS cases is the infant usually passes away in his or her sleep.
Though the causes of SIDS are unknown, researchers have found that there are certain actions parents can take that reduce the risk of SIDS significantly.
Do Not Smoke During Pregnancy or Around Baby
Babies whose mothers smoke while they are pregnant or who are exposed to second-hand smoke after birth are at an increased risk of dying a SIDS related death. Expectant mothers should quit smoking the moment they find out they are pregnant, not be exposed to the second-hand smoke of others while pregnant, and parents should not smoke in the same house as an infant nor let anyone else do so.
Limit Caffeine Intake During Pregnancy
Research has shown that mothers who have a high caffeine intake in pregnancy are at greater risk of having their babies fall victim to SIDS. Expectant mothers should limit their caffeine intake to no more than equivalent to 1 cup of coffee a day.
Put Baby on Back to Sleep
It is widely known that pediatricians put an emphasis on informing parents to put their babies to sleep on their backs. Babies who sleep on their stomachs are more likely to experience SIDS related death than babies who sleep on their back. Part of the reason for this might be because babies who are slow to wake may have the breathing passages obstructed by laying with their face pressed against a mattress and suffocate.
Do Not Put Blankets Baby
It is not recommended that parents put babies under one year of age to sleep covered with blankets. The baby is at risk of accidentally moving the blanket over his or her face and suffocating. Babies should be dressed warmly on cooler nights to avoid the use of blankets.
It is not recommended that babies be dressed too warmly or their room be heated too high however as overheating seems to play a factor in SIDS related deaths.
Put Baby to Bed with a Pacifier
In 2005 the American Academy of Pediatric recommended that babies under one year be put to bed with a pacifier to help prevent SIDS. Though doctors are not exactly sure why, babies who sleep with a pacifier have lower rates of SIDS than babies who do not.
Do Not Sleep with Baby in Same Bed
Parents should sleep with their newborns in a crib or bassinet next to their own bed, but should never bring the baby into bed with them. Babies who co-sleep with parents are at higher risk of SIDS and might accidentally have their faces covered with bedding.
Choose Breast Over Bottle
Studies have shown that babies who are breast-fed are at lesser risk of dying of SIDS. Researchers are not exactly certain why breastfed babies are at a lower risk but theorize that it might be because breastmilk builds a stronger immune system, helps the central nervous system of the baby develop faster, and the baby wakes up more frequently to eat because breast milk is digested faster than formula.
There is no known cure for SIDS and no parenting techniques that can guarantee to protect babies 100% from SIDS. If parents do follow some preventative guidelines however, the risk of SIDS seems to decrease dramatically and more babies can avoid leaving the world too early.
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