SIDS: Taking a Closer Look at the Silent Killer

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a tragedy that affects thousands of families every year. It is the leading cause of death in infants between the ages of one month and one year old, with most cases occurring before six months of age. Although the exact cause of SIDS is still unknown, there are certain risk factors that have been identified that can increase a baby’s chances of dying from SIDS. It is important for parents and healthcare professionals to be aware of these risk factors so that steps can be taken to reduce the risk of SIDS.

What is SIDS?

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is defined as the sudden and unexpected death of an infant under one year of age, in which an autopsy does not reveal an adequate cause of death. It is sometimes referred to as “crib death” or “cot death” because the majority of SIDS deaths occur while the baby is sleeping in its crib. SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants between the ages of one month and one year old, accounting for approximately 3,500 deaths in the United States each year.

Risk Factors

Although the exact cause of SIDS is unknown, there are certain risk factors that have been identified that can increase a baby’s chances of dying from SIDS. These risk factors include:

• Prematurity or low birth weight

• Younger age (infants under 6 months of age are at highest risk)

• Male gender

• Smoking during pregnancy

• Overheating the infant (over-bundling or over-bedding)

• Soft bedding (such as pillows, comforters, and stuffed animals)

• Sleeping on the stomach or side

• Sleeping with parents in the same bed

• Exposure to secondhand smoke

In addition, there are certain factors that may increase a baby’s risk of SIDS, such as:

• Living in poverty

• Being of African-American or Native American descent

• A family history of SIDS

• Mothers under the age of 20

• A mother who has had multiple pregnancies

Prevention

Although the exact cause of SIDS is still unknown, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following steps to reduce the risk of SIDS:

• Always place your baby to sleep on his or her back.

• Use a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib, covered by a fitted sheet.

• Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of the crib.

• Do not use crib bumpers, as they can pose a suffocation hazard.

• Avoid overheating your baby. Dress your baby in light sleep clothing and keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult.

• Do not smoke during pregnancy or in the same room as your baby.

• Do not allow your baby to sleep in an adult bed, on a couch, or on a chair.

• Do not let your baby get too hot while sleeping or covered with too many blankets.

• Do not use home monitors or commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conclusion

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a tragedy that affects thousands of families every year. Although the exact cause of SIDS is still unknown, there are certain risk factors that have been identified that can increase a baby’s chances of dying from SIDS. It is important for parents and healthcare professionals to be aware of these risk factors so that steps can be taken to reduce the risk of SIDS. By following the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents can help to reduce the risk of SIDS and ensure the safety of their baby.