Hayley Abdo, RN BSN
October marks Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. This month, we remember all the infants who have been heartbreakingly lost to SIDS and join with caregivers and healthcare providers to raise awareness about SIDS and encourage safe infant sleep. In this blog post, we will explore SIDS, its potential risk factors, and share essential guidelines to provide a secure sleeping environment for babies.
What is SIDS?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, often referred to as SIDS, is the tragic and unexplained death of an infant under 12 months of age. SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants between one month and one year, affecting more than 1,000 families annually. While the exact cause of SIDS remains unknown, there are steps parents and caregivers can take to reduce the risk.
What Are the Known Risk Factors?
While SIDS can occur to any infant, certain factors may increase the risk. It’s important to note that these factors don’t directly cause SIDS but might contribute to a higher likelihood. Some of the recognized risk factors include:
- Sleep Position: Placing infants on their stomachs increases the risk of SIDS.
- Sleep Environment: The use of soft bedding, pillows, quilts, or stuffed animals in the
crib poses a suffocation risk and increases the risk of SIDS.
- Prematurity: Infants born prior to 37 weeks have a higher risk for SIDS.
- Maternal Smoking: Exposure to maternal smoking during pregnancy and secondhand
smoke after birth increases the risk of SIDS.
- Drug and Alcohol Use During Pregnancy: Maternal use of drugs and/or alcohol
during pregnancy increases the risk of SIDS.
- Overheating: Overdressing a baby or keeping the room too warm may increase the
risk of SIDS.
How Can I Protect My Baby From SIDS?
While the direct cause of SIDS is unknown, there are several factors that have proven to be protective against SIDS.
- Safe Sleep: Follow the “ABCs of Safe Sleep” recommended by the Iowa SIDS Foundation:
o Alone: Babies should have their own sleeping space. The American Academy of
Pediatrics does not recommend bed sharing. Seeping with an infant on a couch or chair
should also be avoided.
o Back: A baby should be placed on their back at the start of each sleep, including
naps and nighttime sleep.
o Crib: Infants should sleep in a non-inclined crib, bassinet or portable play yard with a
firm mattress and fitted sheet. Keep any soft objects, including pillows, blankets, crib
bumpers and quilts, removed from the crib.
- Breastfeeding: Infants who are fed breastmilk have a lower risk for SIDS. Exclusive
breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months, with continued use of human milk
for at least one year. However, any use of human milk is more protective against SIDS
than none.
- Temperature control: Infants who become overheated are at an increased risk for SIDS.
Overheating can occur from too many layers of clothing, bundles of bedding, or
stomach sleeping. Dress your baby in light sleepwear and maintain a comfortable room
temperature. Avoid covering your baby’s face or head during sleep.
- Tummy Time: While back sleeping is recommended, providing supervised tummy time
during awake periods helps strengthen infant’s neck and shoulder muscles.
- Regular Checkups: Attend all recommended prenatal and well-baby checkups. These visits
allow your doctor to monitor your infant’s health and offer guidance on caring for your
newborn.
Photo Credit: Iowa SIDS Foundation
Which Products Should be Avoided?
- Weighted sleep products: The use of weighted sleep products, including the use of
weighted blankets, sleepers, and sleep sacks should be avoided.
- Wedges/ positioners: Infants should be placed to sleep on their backs. The use of
wedges or positioning devices are not recommended.
- Crib bumpers: The use of any crib bumper should be avoided, as they contribute to
suffocation, entrapment, and strangulation.
For Additional Information on SIDS and Safe Sleep…
- American Academy of Pediatrics 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in
the Sleep Environment: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057990/188304/Sleep-Related-Infant-Deaths-Updated-2022?autologincheck=redirected
- Iowa SIDS Foundation: https://iowasids.org/
- National Institute of Health Safe to Sleep Campaign: https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/
- UIHC Safe Sleep Information: https://uihc.org/childrens/health-topics/safe-sleep
References:
Falusi, L. (2022, September 29). Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): Common Questions &
Concerns. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-
stages/baby/sleep/Pages/Sleep-Position-Why-Back-is-Best.aspx
Moon, R. Y., Carlin, R. F., & Hand, I. (2022, June 21). Sleep-related infant deaths: Updated
2022 recommendations for reducing infant deaths in the sleep environment. American
Academy of Pediatrics.
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057990/188304/Sleep-Related-Infant-Deaths-Updated-2022?autologincheck=redirected&_ga=2.65726635.404707172.1666210596-
1105535097.1655834164
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-a). FAQs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/FAQ
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