Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is defined as the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under the age of one. It is the leading cause of death in babies in the United States. Most cases of SIDS occur while infants are asleep; this is why it is also referred to as “crib death”.
Despite many years of research, the cause of SIDS is still unknown; some experts theorize that the cause may be the result of defects in the part of a child’s brain that controls breathing and arousal from sleep.
Although the cause of SIDS is undetermined, research does indicate that factors that include a combination of factors in physical and sleep environments can make infants more vulnerable. Â Â According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), parents and caregivers can take the following actions to help reduce the risk of an occurrence:
- Make sure babies sleep on their backs (Babies should not sleep on their stomachs or sides)
- Avoid placing soft materials such as quilts or comforters in cribs or wherever babies are placed to sleep
- Place babies to sleep on a firm surface( Infants should not be placed on soft surfaces such as waterbeds or sofas)
- Breastfeed for as long as possible- especially within the first six months of a baby’s life
- Adults should avoid sharing beds with babies
- Use cribs that conform to the safety standards of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Abstain from drinking , smoking or using illicit drugs during pregnancy and after giving birth
- Monitor the temperature in a baby’s sleep space to ensure they are not too warm
The CDC reports that due to education, incidents of SIDS have declined. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is raising awareness during SIDS Awareness Month, which is observed in October, by educating the community about ways to reduce risks.
Although there has been a declination in the number of infant deaths attributed to SIDS, It is important to keep in mind that SIDS remains as the leading cause of death in babies and parents should always take measures to provide a safe sleep environment for their child.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.