Aileen MillerSIDS
What is SIDS?
SIDS is an acronym for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and it is a label used for unexplained deaths in children under the age of 1, usually occurring during sleep. It is sometimes referred to as crib death. Diagnosis for SIDS requires the death to remain unexplained after thorough autopsy and death scene investigation. SIDS makes up about 80% of unexpected and sudden deaths in infants.
Risk Factors
stomach or side sleeping baby
co-sleeping
bumper pads
increased bedding material (extra blankets, pillows, ect)
elevated or reduced room temperature
SIDS rates decrease with higher maternal age (teenage parents are more at risk)
low birth weight
premature babies
infant having anaemia
male infants are more likely to suffer SIDS than female infants
alcohol
tobacco smoke
drug use
brain defects
family history
relying on baby monitors (video monitors, sensor mats, owlet sock, ect)
Prevention
back sleeping
firm mattress
room-sharing
pacifiers
no pillows, sleep positioners, no bumper pads, stuffed animals or fluffy bedding
breastfeeding
vaccinations (DTP vaccinations are associated with lower SIDS risk)