SIDS, or crib death, is the sudden death of seemingly healthy babies during sleep. Most deaths occur in babies 2 to 4 months old, rarely before 1 month or after 6 months. SIDS affects more boys than girls, and more African-Americans and Native Americans than whites. It occurs more often in winter and sometimes runs in families. It can’t be predicted or completely prevented.
The cause isn’t known. Higher risks are related to sleeping on the stomach, especially for babies who are overdressed or covered with too many blankets or whose rooms are too warm. Premature, low-birth-weight, and multiple birth babies (being twins or triplets) have greater risk. It’s also related to poor prenatal care, poverty, teen mothers, cigarette smoking, and drinking and drug use during pregnancy.
More is known about things that don’t cause it: suffocation, vomiting, choking, birth defects, infections, immunizations, and kind of parenting.
SIDS has no symptoms or warning signs. Babies don’t seem to suffer or struggle. They don’t cry. Minor breathing or stomach problems might occur in the weeks before SIDS occurs.
No tests can say for certain that SIDS caused death. When no other reason is found after reviewing medical histories, studying where the baby was found, and doing an autopsy, SIDS may be named as the cause.
No home care is possible, but infant CPR can be tried. The emergency 911 number should be called.
Eliminating or preventing risk factors can lower SIDS risk. Everyone who cares for babies, including babysitters, day-care providers, and grandparents, should learn about SIDS. Preventing SIDS involves always placing babies on their back to sleep, not their stomachs or sides. Avoid too many fluffy, loose blankets and hot rooms. Having a fan in the room may reduce risk. Use firm mattresses. For the first 6 months, babies should sleep in cribs in parents’ rooms, but not in parents’ beds. A smoke-free environment is critical during pregnancy and for the first year of a baby’s life. Breastfeeding may help. Pacifiers may reduce risk, offered after a baby is 1 month old.
Parents, who may suffer guilt feelings, need emotional support for their devastating loss. Allowing time to grieve and heal is critical.
Contact the following source:
Copyright © 2016 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc.
Ferri’s Netter Patient Advisor