SIDS In the News
During the month of March, SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) has made the headlines three times. In an article in the Chicago Sun Times, health reporter Jim Ritter stated: "The death rate from sudden infant death syndrome dropped sharply in the 1990s, as more parents put babies to sleep on their backs." But the rate is now leveling off, so the worries remain.SIDS is still the leading cause of infant death. Parents are urged
to try to reduce SIDS risk by adhering to these rules:
- Don't smoke during or after your pregnancy. Smoking during pregnancy is a major factor in SIDS deaths, as is second-hand smoke once baby leaves the hospital.
- Things like soft quilts, blankets and pillows should be avoided. Male sure blankets are tucked in snugly.
- Use a crib that is safe by Consumer Product Safety commission standards.
- Don't put baby to sleep on soft beds such as waterbeds, sofas or any soft mattress or surface.
- Baby should have his or her own bed. don't take baby to bed with you.
- Avoid alcohol or drugs that impair your ability to awaken if baby cries and needs you.
- Baby's room shouldn't be too warm. Don't use too many quilts or blankets.
Which brings us to the third article, this one from CBC
Canada. It reads: "Diaper manufacturer Pampers has joined
Health Canada in the fight against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
by using its diapers to send a message to parents."
Pampers will be carrying a very important message printed on the diapers:
"Back to sleep" to remind parents and others that infants need to sleep
on their backs. In addition, the SIDS
Alliance says, the Back to Sleep campaign doesn't stop
there. Pampers and the Pampers Parenting
Institute will contribute by:
When I researched this topic, I found conflicting opinions. The
SIDS Organization "do not support the implications of news reports
that immunization increases the risk of SIDS." The
SIDS Network also holds this view. Studies done showed
no increased risk for SIDS with the immunization. Rather, these studies
showed that immunized infants had a lower risk for SIDS.
On the other hand, an Australian doctor, Viera Scheibner, Ph.D., in
the book Vaccination:
100 years of Orthodox Research claims that vaccines represent a medical
assault on the immune system. As an example, she states: "In 1975,
when Japan raised the age to receive vaccines from 2 months to 2 years,
the incidence of SIDS virtually disappeared in that country." The jury
is still out on this one, and until there is more evidence to support the
anti immunization view, it might be wisest to continue the current vaccination
schedule.
Research is being done on sudden infant death syndrome. Perhaps
in the near future, we will know the cause, and have a reliable cure.
Until then, put your baby "Back to sleep."
A media advisory from the
While on the subject of SIDS, I recently received this question from a
reader: "Have you read about the strong link between immunization
and SIDS? In countries where they are withholding immunization until
after 2yrs. old the % of SIDS has decreased significantly."