Crib Death
Sudden infant death syndrome is often called by its acronym of SIDS or crib or cot death. SIDS is the biggest killer of children under one year of age with over 6000 families a year suffering a loss.Whether SIDS is actually a sleep disorder is a controversial matter. In my opinion, it is a sleep disorder if only for the reason that it does occur while the child is sleeping. It is a sleep disorder, however, for another reason. Many parents, knowing of the silent threat of SIDS, are unable to sleep at night for fear of it striking their baby.
Three possible causes of SIDS are smoking during or after pregnancy, lying the baby on his or her stomach and soft pillows or bedding. Many parents blame themselves when a child dies of SIDS, but it is seldom their fault. It does not mean they did not care for their child properly or that they did not love their baby. In fact, except for the few possible risk factors, the actual cause of SIDS is still unknown.
CPR Services, in their list of information about SIDS states: "SIDS probably has more than one cause although the final death mechanisms appear to be similar." and "SIDS is not anyone's fault." There are no apparent symptoms. The child usually appears healthy and strong.
You can take a few precautions, like always placing the baby on his or her back and using firm bedding. Keep the environment smoke free and the temperature pleasantly warm but not hot.
If you have lost a child to SIDS or if you merely would like more information, the Internet is an invaluable resource. Here are some sites that may have what you are looking for:
The American SIDS Institute
"The American SIDS Institute is dedicated to the prevention of Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome and the promotion of infant health through
research, clinical services, family support and professional and community
education."
SIDS Network Web Site
"There are over 1,000 files containing over 3,000 pages of information
on this web site."
SIDS Alliance
"The SIDS Alliance is a national, non-profit, voluntary health
organization dedicated to the support of SIDS families, education and research."
National SIDS Resource Center
"The National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Resource Center (NSRC)
provides information
services and technical assistance on sudden infant death syndrome
(SIDS) and related topics. Our goal is to promote understanding of SIDS
and provide comfort to those affected by SIDS through information sharing."
SIDS Australia
"This resource contains SIDS information and publications
on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) for researchers, health
professionals, parents, school teachers and children."
The Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths "The Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths is dedicated to solving the mystery of sudden and unexpected infant deaths, and to the emotional support of those who are affected."
The Foundation for the Study
of Infant Death (United Kingdom)
"Information, news and support for anyone interested or victimized
by SIDS."
