How to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome 2016/03/10

Every so often it happens… it happened to an acquaintance of mine, first I saw how it consumed her, then resigning before the SIDS.

The acronym means Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known and Crib Death.

It happens because for some reason the baby stops breathing while sleeping in their crib. And it happens on the first year of age, with a higher risk between the 2º and 4º month of life.

There isn’t a specific cause or physiological reason for which the child stops living. It is not a gen or a risk factor that the parents transmit without knowing.

There isn’t even a precise percentage; data reveals a 0.05%, which is approximately 250 children per year, (Italy 2016).

It is not possible to avoid SIDS, but the Health Ministry has emitted a law, n. 31 the 2nd of February of 2006 (Italy), which regulates the diagnosis of this terrible syndrome. I leave here the direct link of the Italian Parliament L31/2006

If you wish to see the complete text.

Article 4 in particular, of this law, promotes sensitization campaigns to guarantee the adequate information and spread of some norms and advice about behaviors parents must adopt or any person in charge of the child to prevent SIDS.

I resume some of the rules against SIDS

-The child must be placed in a supine position, meaning, with their belly facing up from their first days of life.

- The environment where the baby sleeps must be between 18ºC to 20ºC; especially in winter the baby must not be covered with heavy sleeping clothing or blankets and with bigger reason if the baby has fever.

- The mattress must be the size of the crib and not excessively soft.

- The pillow is not necessary, neither are stuffed animals or toys and railing protection.

- The feet of the baby must touch the bottom of the bed, this way it is avoided that the baby slides underneath the sheets.

- Avoid sleeping next to the baby (co-sleeping). I know it is very sweet to sleep next to your baby, but avoid doing it all night. Unfortunately the risk of moving and “squishing” the baby while sleeping is high.

- Pacifier Yes until the baby is asleep, then if it is lost while sleeping it is not important, but it should be limited the first month so it does not interfere with the lactation and after the year for the forming of the teeth.

- Breastfeeding is consider a preventing factor against SIDS.

- It is prohibited to smoke near the child.

This is just information. For any doubts or questions, contact your pediatrician.