Following are all the frequently asked questions on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (Cot Death):
1. What is SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)?
SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, as the name suggests is the sudden death of an infant without any explanation. It is not a disease or condition in an infant, but rather the medical cause when an infant dies suddenly without any apparent cause or explanation. SIDS is commonly known as cot death because of the multiple events that occur. While the baby is sleeping, however, this does not happen at the same time. SIDS can occur in babies between 1 month and 1 year old, although it is more likely to occur in infants younger than 6 months. The incidence of cot death in India is much lower than in some other developed countries, where it is said to be the leading cause of death among infants.
2. How and why does SIDS happen?
The cause of this syndrome has been extensively researched over the years but there appears to be no single definitive cause. However, studies have indicated that infants with underlying health conditions such as immature organ development or irregular breathing and waking functions are more likely to be susceptible to the condition. Another stressor for very young babies can be sleeping on the stomach or sleeping on very soft bedding that easily compresses with the baby’s weight. According to research recently published in the British Medical Journal, avoiding co-sleeping with an infant in the same bed can prevent 88% of cot deaths, making it the leading cause of SIDS. A study published by the American Medical Association in 2010 also found that infants who had lower levels of serotonin in the brain, the part responsible for controlling breathing, heart rate and blood pressure during sleep, were less likely to die. .
3. When are babies at greater risk of SIDS?
According to experts, there are certain factors that can put some babies at higher risk for SIDS. These are:
• Low birth weight or premature birth
• Mother under 20 years of age. In India, especially where child marriage is still prevalent, this can be a significant risk factor for infant mortality.
• Two pregnancies together – less than one year.
• Any high-risk event can also be fatal for the baby
• Babies under 6 months of age should sleep on their stomachs.
4. How can the occurrence of SIDS be prevented?
Although it is hard to predict whether SIDS will occur, there are some preventative measures parents can take to reduce the chances of this tragic event:
• Make sure your baby does not sleep on his back. Neither on the side nor on the stomach. Just taking this simple step can reduce your chances of getting SIDS by up to 50%.
• Avoid co-sleeping. Make sure your baby is sleeping in a cot in the parent/caretaker’s room, but not in the same bed.
• Choose a firm flat mattress for your baby’s cot. Apart from this, avoid placing too many items in the cot. You can use sheet clips to make sure the sheets stay firmly in place.
• Avoid using heavy quilts to cover your baby at sleeping time. Dress your baby to keep warm or put the baby in a sleeping bag for extra cover. However, take care that you are not overwarming your baby with too many layers.
• Do not support your child with any pillow or head while sleeping. Also avoid using knotted towels, or alternatives like scarfs, to position your baby’s head.
• Make sure your baby is getting the care he needs before and after birth. This includes keeping an eye on your diet and avoiding habits that could put your child at risk for smoking or consuming alcohol or any other drug.
• Breastfeeding is known to reduce the risk of SIDS in infants, among other health benefits it provides to the baby. Additionally, you can use a pacifier at bedtime as this can also help reduce the risk of SIDS.