|
|
All you need to Know about SIDS
What is SIDS?
the major cause of death in infants from 1 month to 1 year of age, with most deaths occurring between 2 and 4 months
sudden and silent--the infant was seemingly healthy
a death often associated with sleep and with no signs of suffering
a recognized medical disorder
determined only after an autopsy, an examination of the death scene, and a review of the infant's and family's clinical histories
a diagnosis of exclusion
an infant death that leaves unanswered questions, causing intense grief for parents and families
SIDS is not…
preventable, but the risk can be reduced by placing the baby on his or her back to sleep on a firm surface, by making sure the baby has a smoke-free environment, and by keeping the baby from being overheated
suffocation
caused by vomiting and choking or by minor illnesses such as colds or infection
caused by the diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT) vaccines or other immunizations
contagious
child abuse or neglect
the cause of every unexpected infant death
Will bedsharing during sleep increase the risk of SIDS?
There is an increased risk of SIDS when mothers who smoke bedshare with their babies. Do not smoke during
pregnancy or after the birth as cigarette smoking increases the risk of SIDS. Never sleep in the same bed as your baby if you are a smoker (this applies to dads too). However, bedsharing is still unsafe if your baby slips under the bedding or into pillows, is trapped between the bed and a parent or the wall, falls out of bed, becomes too hot from too much bedding or is rolled on. And, of course, don't bedshare if you have been drinking alcohol or are affected by other drugs.
Is my baby being too hot or too cold associated with SIDS?
Current research suggests that if your baby becomes either too hot or too cold the risk of SIDS is increased. To prevent this you need to use your own judgement depending on where you live and whether it is summer or winter. A useful guide is to dress baby as you would dress yourself - to be comfortably warm, not hot. If your baby has a fever use fewer bed coverings or even none at all. If you are worried that your baby is too hot or too cold, talk to your doctor or infant health nurse.
Will breastfeeding protect my baby from SIDS?
Everyone agrees that breastfeeding is best for most babies. However, there is no consistent evidence that it decreases the risk of SIDS.
Is immunisation linked with SIDS?
The peak age of SIDS is the same age babies are most often immunised (two to four months) so by chance they can occur at the same time. There is very strong evidence to show that immunisation is not associated with SIDS. In fact, recent studies have shown that, if anything, babies who are immunised are at a lower risk of SIDS.
Can babies be put on the tummy to play?
From three months of age, during awake periods, babies can be placed safely on their tummies to play. This will encourage strength in their neck and back muscles and prepare them for crawling. However, don't put your baby to sleep on the tummy as this increases the risk of SIDS.
Are there any specific baby care products recommended to reduce the risk of SIDS?
Australian SIDS organisations do not endorse or recommend any specific baby care products.
Infant Bedding
Researchers and consumer safety advocates continue to look for a possible link between SIDS and soft bedding (Scheers, Dayton, and Kemp, 1998). During 2000, seven major retailers joined with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to kick off a nationwide campaign promoting safe bedding practices for infants. Many retailers are developing public service campaigns to spread this message to parents and other infant caregivers.
The hope is that by circulating this information, infant deaths will be reduced and that those responsible for infant care will receive one consistent message about ensuring a safe sleeping environment for babies.
goto the sids and kids website now |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
