SIDS (Sudden infant death)

What is SIDS (Sudden infant death)? 

SIDS is also called crib death and as the name implies, means the sudden death of an infant (child less than 1 year old), which is unexplained after thorough investigation.

What causes SIDS?

The cause of SIDS is unknown. Evidence suggests that SIDS may be related to immaturity or abnormalities in the parts of the infant’s brain that controls breathing and sleep arousal as well as environmental factors such as smoking and sleeping environment.

Who does SIDS  happen to?

SIDS only applies to babies less than 1-year-old. 90% of affected babies are less than 6 months old. SIDS peaks in babies between 2 to 4 months of age, and usually happens at night during sleep. Babies at risk includes:

• Babies born prematurely
• Babies born with low birth weight
• Babies whose mothers smoke
• Babies with past sibling with SIDS
• Babies sleeping on their stomach or sides
• Babies with prior episodes of apnea- (prolonged breath pauses)

What can I do to prevent SIDS?

The following measures have been recommended by AAP as good sleeping practices to reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS.
• Put your baby to sleep on their back
• Babies should not sleep in their car seats
• Babies should sleep on firm mattresses
• Avoid placing soft objects like stuffed toy animals or pillows in baby’s crib
• Avoid smoking during and after pregnancy
• You may use pacifiers when baby is sleeping
• Avoid overheating the room.