Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is sudden infant death syndrome? Sudden infant death syndrome is also called SIDS. It is the sudden death of a baby under one year of age. The cause of death in SIDS is unknown. The death cannot be explained even after a review of the baby's health history, environment, and autopsy results.

What puts my baby at risk of sudden infant death syndrome? Although the cause of SIDS is not yet clearly known, certain factors are believed to increase its risk. It happens mostly to baby boys, 2 weeks to 6 months of age, born premature, and with low birth weights. Your baby may also be at a higher risk of SIDS with one or more of the following:

• Sleeping in a prone (face down or lying on stomach) position.
  
  
• Being around people who smoke or having a mother who smoked during or after pregnancy.
  
  
• Sleeping on fluffy or soft bedding.
  
  
• Overheating or overwrapping with too much clothing.
  
  
• Sharing his bed with others.
  
  
• Poor or no prenatal care. Prenatal care is the regular healthcare visits made throughout pregnancy.

What can I do to prevent sudden infant death syndrome? There are no exact ways to prevent SIDS from happening. Some things may be done to decrease your baby's risk of having SIDS. The following are ways that may help protect your baby from SIDS:

• Sleep on his back: Place your baby on his back every time he sleeps, this includes naps and at night. Do this even if he may sleep more soundly lying on his stomach or on his side. Babies who sleep on their back are not more likely to choke. Do this unless a medical condition requires your baby to lie in another position. Ask your baby's caregiver which sleeping position is best for your baby.You may put your baby on his stomach while he is awake with someone watching. This is called tummy time. Tummy time helps your baby's head, neck, and shoulder muscles get stronger. This may also prevent flat spots from forming on your baby's head. Changing the direction your baby faces when lying down may also help prevent flat spots.
  
  
• Use a firm sleep surface: Place your baby on a firm flat surface to sleep. Do not let him sleep on soft surfaces. These include pillows, soft mattresses, waterbeds, quilts, sheepskins, beanbags, or other forms of bedding. Your baby's crib should be a safety-approved crib.
  
  
• Keep soft objects and loose bedding out of the sleep area: Keep your baby's crib free from other things, such as pillows, comforters, and stuffed toys. If bumper pads are used, they should be thin, firm, well-secured, and not pillow-like. Use a fitted bottom sheet made for your baby's crib. The mattress should be the correct size and against all four sides of the crib. Keep all items away from your baby's face. If a blanket is to be used, your baby's feet should reach the foot of the crib. The blankets can be tucked in around the crib mattress and should reach only to the level of your baby's chest.
  
  
• Smoke-free environment: Do not smoke or let others smoke near you when you are pregnant. Do not let others smoke around your baby.
  
  
• Sleep in separate beds but same room: Place your baby in the same room but not in the same bed when sleeping. Put him in a separate sleep area, such as a bassinet, crib, or cradle. Do not let him sleep on the same bed with other children or adults. Do not share a bed with your baby especially if you have been drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or if you are a smoker. Do not let him sleep on an adult's bed, sofa, or armchair. If you need to breast feed, always put him back in his own bed when finished.
  
  
• Right room temperature: Your baby should be kept warm, but not hot. Do not over-clothe your baby. Dress him in light sleepwear and do not wrap or cover him with too many blankets. Keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult wearing light clothing. Your baby should not be sweating or feel hot to the touch.
  
  
• Consider using a pacifier: Use the pacifier when placing your baby down to sleep during the first year of life. Do not put it back in your baby's mouth once he falls asleep. If he rejects it, do not force him to take it. Do not coat the pacifier with any sweet solution. Clean it often and replace it regularly. If your baby breast feeds, wait until he is at least one month of age before using the pacifier.

What are other ways to keep my baby safe? The following may help decrease the risk of SIDS by keeping your baby healthy and well:

• Breast feeding: Breast milk may help protect your baby against infections. Infections are believed to increase the risk of SIDS.
  
  
• Check-ups: Early and regular prenatal care may help keep your baby well during pregnancy. After birth, be sure to take your baby to all scheduled check-ups. Take him to his caregiver to have his shots. Seek care if your baby is not well.
  
  
• Home monitor: Home monitor is a machine that checks on a baby's breathing and heart rate. Although not recommended to decrease risk of SIDS, this may be used if your baby has a serious condition. This checks how his heart is beating and how well he is breathing.

Where can I find more information about sudden infant death syndrome?

• National SIDS/Infant Death Resource Center
  8280 Greensboro Dr, Ste 300
  McLean, VA 22102
  Phone: 1-703-821-8955
  Web Address: www.sidscenter.org
  

• National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
  PO Box 3006
  Rockville, MD 20847
  Phone: 1-800-370-2943
  Web Address: www.nichd.nih.gov
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your baby's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about SIDS and your baby's health condition. You can then discuss the best protection against SIDS with your baby's caregivers. Work with them to decide what will be the best way to care and protect your baby.

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