By following the simple advice to put infants on their backs to sleep, the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) can be greatly reduced and sudden infant death can be prevented.
What Is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?
Sudden infant death syndrome is a term used to describe the sudden, unexplained death of an infant less than one year old. SIDS occurs during sleep and is sometimes known as crib death.
It is the leading cause of death in children aged one month to one year, with most deaths occurring between two and four months of age.
What Causes SIDS?
According to research, SIDS seems to be linked to low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brainstem. The area of the brainstem called the medulla oblongata is critical in breathing control and may be compromised during sleep in affected infants.
SIDS may represent an inability to respond to life-threatening events during sleep, resulting in suffocation.
How Can I Prevent SIDS?
Recent public health efforts -- including the Back to Sleep campaign, in which parents are instructed to place their infants on their backs to sleep -- have been highly successful in reducing the incidence of SIDS. This advice can be reduced to a few simple tips:
- It is clear that babies sleep safer on their backs. It is important to put your child on her back every time she sleeps, even for short naps.
- Your baby should sleep on a firm, flat surface without soft bedding. Soft objects, toys, and loose bedding such as pillows, quilts, or blankets should be kept away from your baby as she sleeps.
- Do not let your baby overheat during sleep and do not smoke around her.
There is also substantial evidence that risk is reduced when a child uses a pacifier.
Since the Back to Sleep campaign began in 1994, the SIDS rate in the United States has decreased by more than 50%. By following the simple guidelines outlined above you can help prevent sudden infant death.
Source:
"Safe Sleep for Your Baby: Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)." National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Accessed February 8, 2010.
