Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), what is it?

Last Updated on Sat, 4 March 2023 | Pediatrics Childrens Health

Sudden infant mortality syndrome (SIDS), is sudden, unrelated death in infants under 1 year old. This is the most common cause of death for infants under one year old in America, accounting for approximately 3500 deaths each year. Also known as crib death or cot death (SID), SIDS can also be called sudden unexpected infant death syndrome (SUID).

Although the exact cause of SIDS remains unknown, it can be traced back to a variety of factors including sleeping on one's stomach, side or in an unsanitary environment and exposure to secondhand smoke or other respiratory irritations. Importantly, SIDS is not caused by a single factor. Instead it results from multiple factors interconnected.

Common causes of sudden infant death syndrome

SIDS is most commonly caused by SIDS because of the way that an infant sleeps. They include:

Instead of sleeping on your back, you can sleep on your stomach or side.
Share a bed or two with another adult.
Overstuffed bedding, or other soft items in the crib (e.g. blankets, pillows and stuffed animals)
Second-hand smoke exposure
Premature birth or low birth weight.
A child born to parents who were teenagers or a pregnant mother who smoked during pregnancy.
A family history of SIDS.

These are the top SIDS risk factors. However, SIDS can be caused by multiple factors.

Common Treatments for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

SIDS is not preventable at this time. However, there are ways to minimize the chance. They include:

To sleep, always place the baby on its back.
Make sure your infant is comfortable and safe at night with a tight-fitting sheet and a firm bed.
You should not use loose or unattached bedding, pillows, and stuffed animals inside the crib.
Avoid smoking with the baby and avoid secondhand smoke.
Use a pacifier to put the baby to bed.
Ensure that your infant has all of the necessary vaccinations.
It is important not to overheat the baby.
If possible, breastfeed.

Importantly, it's important to remember that SIDS prevention is not possible with any treatment. Talk to your doctor to find out the best way to lower the chance of SIDS.

Professionals and experts have different opinions on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Professionals and experts agree that safe sleeping habits are the best to prevent SIDS. To sleep, infants must be left alone in their cribs on their backs. Experts recommend that infants should not be placed in a crib with pillows or blankets.

American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies have pacifiers at bedtime and nap time. This has been proven to decrease the chance of SIDS. AAP recommends that you avoid overheating your baby as it can increase the risk of SIDS.

The Natural Remedies and Tips to Reduce SIDS Risk

There are many natural ways to reduce SIDS risk, including following the ABCs for safe sleeping. They include:

Monitor the temperature of your infant to make sure they're not getting too hot.
Assure that your infant lives in a non-smoking environment
Ensure that your infant has all of the necessary vaccinations.
If possible, breastfeed your baby.
It is important not to expose the baby to drugs or alcohol.
Use a pacifier to put the baby to bed.
You can have plenty of time to occupy your stomach during the day.

Important to remember that while these tips and natural remedies are unlikely to stop SIDS from happening, they can help to reduce your risk.

Conclusion

The leading cause of infant deaths in America is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). There are approximately 3500 cases each year. Although the exact cause of SIDS remains unknown, it may be due to a variety of environmental factors. SIDS is most commonly caused by the way an infant sleeps. This includes sleeping on their stomachs or sides, being in an unsanitary environment or being exposed to smoke and other respiratory irritations. SIDS is not preventable. However, there are ways to minimize the danger. There are natural ways to reduce SIDS risk.

SIDS, which affects thousands every year, is a grave problem. You can reduce your risk by following these steps: Avoid loose bedding and soft objects, monitor the baby's temperature, and follow the ABCs for safe sleeping. There are many natural ways to reduce SIDS risk. These steps will not prevent SIDS. Talk to your doctor to find out the best way to lower the SIDS risk.