Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is thankfully becoming increasingly less common, which is mainly down to doctors working out alternative causes for such a tragedy and the knowledge that putting a baby to sleep on its back may reduce the risk of SIDS by as much as a half. Although the number of SIDS cases are dropping, it is important to recognise risk factors associated with the condition.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Prevention
The simplest and most practical way to reduce the risk of babies suffering from SIDS, is to always put them to sleep on their back. While sleeping on the front poses the greatest risk, it is also highly risky to put babies to sleep on their side. Two other ways identified to protect a baby from SIDS include breastfeeding and using a pacifier. In Baby & Toddler Sleep Solutions for Dummies (John Whiley & Sons, 2007), authors Arthur Lavin and Susan Glaser acknowledge that research studies have suggested that using a pacifier may decrease the risk of SIDS by around 50%, while there is a lower incidence of SIDS in breastfed babies. However, the latter may be down to the fact that mothers who are breastfeeding will be less likely to smoke.
Another important factor associated with reducing the likelihood of SIDS, relates to the temperature in the baby's room. The ideal temperature is around 65 to 73ºF, where the baby is likely to feel comfortable and neither too warm or cold.
SIDS Risk Factors – Smoking, Soft Bedding, Co-Sleeping
By far the greatest risk factor associated with the development of SIDS, is when a parent or both parents are smokers, making it crucial to either give up before trying to get pregnant, or ensure that no smoke comes anywhere near the baby or the family home. According to Lavin and Glaser, research studies indicate that the risk of SIDS is a shocking five times greater, when a baby is exposed to tobacco smoke during pregnancy of after birth, while breathing in second-hand smoke from a floor away also increases the risk of SID.
Another serious risk factor linked to SID, relates to the use of soft bedding, with a soft mattress, fluffy pillows or blankets, while co-sleeping may increase the risk too. The latter is particularly risky when a parent or both parents have been drinking alcohol or smoking.
As highlighted above, the best prevention method for SIDS involves putting babies to sleep on their back, while smoking is the greatest risk factor for SIDS. In addition, breastfed babies and those using pacifiers are recognised as being less at risk.
Source:
Lavin, A. & Glaser, S. Baby & Toddler Sleep Solutions for Dummies. Chichester: John Whiley & Sons, 2007.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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