24 Jun Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: What Is It?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is also known as the term “crib death.” It is an unexplained occurrence wherein an infant seemingly healthy suddenly succumbs to death.
Children who usually experience this syndrome are younger than 1 year old. The exact cause of SIDS is unknown. However, it is believed that it may be caused by problems with the baby’s brain, particularly the area that controls breathing.
Despite the lack of a clear cause for SIDS, researchers found certain risk factors for the condition:
Physical Factors
- Brain defects: some children are born with brain defects that increase their chance of SIDS.
- Low birth weight: babies born with low birth weight might have chances of not having a fully developed brain, which might result in them having less control over automatic body processes such as breathing and heart rate.
- Respiratory problems: infants who had died of SIDS were found to have recently experienced a cold.
Sleep Factors
- Sleeping on the stomach or side: infants might have more difficulties in breathing than those placed on their backs.
- Sleeping on a soft surface: soft mattresses and extra pillows might block an infant’s airway.
- High temperature: too much warmth can increase an infant’s risk of SIDS.
Mother’s Lifestyle
- Mothers who gave birth younger than 20 years old
- Smokes cigarettes
- Substance abuse
- Lack of medical care during pregnancy
Is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Preventable?
There are ways to reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS.
Here are some tips to reduce your child’s risk of SIDS:
- Always let your baby sleep on their backs
- Keep your baby’s head uncovered
- Sleep with your baby in the same room for 6 months, but not on the same bed
- Use a firm, flat, and waterproof mattress for your baby
- Live a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy and ensure complete checkups
- Breastfeed your baby
- Adjust the temperature to your baby’s room as not too cold nor too hot
Taking care of yourself means taking care of your family, especially if you have got a little one. Complete your checkups and start doing more about your health.
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SOURCE:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids/