Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Many parents are saddened by the deaths of their children at a young age as a result of several causes, like diseases, accidents, etc. However, this heartbreaking incidence is more difficult when it occurs without an obvious reason, leaving the parents in a lot of confusion along with their great sadness.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

It’s defined as the sudden death of an infant under the age of less than a year (most commonly 2-4 months) during sleep without any clear reason, despite all the tests and investigations that are being conducted, and the infant looks in good health before the death. Because this incident often occurs during sleep (most commonly between 12 p.m. and 6 a.m.) it’s called cot death.

It occurs in males more than females.

Causes and risk factors of sudden infant death syndrome

There hasn’t been a specific reason for this condition until now, even though the specialists do all the tests in addition to the autopsy, yet the most agreed-upon theory is the existence of an underlying problem in the infant, which could be genetic or cerebral, and when the infant is exposed to any stimulus, this problem becomes triggered and leads to death.

Risk factors that are believed to trigger sudden infant death syndrome:

• Preterm birth or low birth weight.
• Smoking or exposure to smoking during pregnancy.
• Being pregnant at a young age (less than 16 years old).
• Not receiving good medical care during pregnancy.
• Being African or Indian American.
• Exposing the infant to a very hot atmosphere.
• Exposing the infant to smoking.
• Prone or side sleeping position, which might affect the infant’s breathing.
• Sleeping along with the infants, which might make them wedged.
• Use soft mattresses like sofas for the infant’s sleeping.
• Family history.
• Twin infants.

Prevention of sudden infant death syndrome

Despite the inability to completely prevent the occurrence of this syndrome, it’s recommended to follow these instructions to reduce its risk as much as possible:

• Avoid sleeping next to the infants, and avoid putting anything close to them, like toys and pillows.
• The infants must sleep on their backs.
• The infants should stay in a cool atmosphere, and it shouldn’t overdress them.
• Take care of the infants’ health in general and give them the necessary vaccines.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol during pregnancy.
• Avoid smoking near the infant.
• Breastfeed the infant as much as possible.
• It’s possible to put the infant in a prone situation from time to time under complete monitoring and only during the wakening hours.
• Give the infant a pacifier during pregnancy because it’s believed that it helps keep the respiratory tracts open.