Sudden infant death syndrome - some of the causes, risks, and suggestions for prevention.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS is a frightening condition. There are very few solid answers as to what causes SIDS. It strikes babies from one month to one year in age most frequently. It strikes more frequently in colder weather and affects more boys than girls. Since most deaths occur during sleep, several suggestions have come many research studies for prevention.
The Back to Sleep campaign was initiated in 1992 by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Evidence was noticed during reviews that most of the babies had been sleeping on their stomachs. One of the hypotheses was that pressure was applied to a baby's jaw. This would narrow the breathing passage and cause breathing problems. Another theory came from the possibility that a baby was rebreathing his own air. Soft mattress, blankets, pillows and stuffed animals might contribute to a pocket of air that is never refreshed. This leads to a buildup of carbon dioxide in the body. This theory leads into a partial answer for this buildup. There is a part of the brain called the arcuate nucleus. This part is believed to help in breathing and waking up during sleep. Normally, a lessening of oxygen would trigger a wake up and cry response, but if there is a problem, the brain does not make the involuntary response.
A list of other potential risk factors is also being created and updated as new information is discovered. Smoking, drinking and drug use during pregnancy can lead to an increase risk of SIDS. This theory ties SIDS with poor prenatal care and pre-maturity. Other risks may include a mother younger than 20 and cigarette smoke exposure after birth. It is more likely that a combination of factors is a better answer.
Suggestions for reducing SIDS risk for your infant include using a firm mattress for the crib. Keep all blankets, pillows and stuffed animals out of the crib when the baby is sleeping. The higher rate during cold weather suggests not to keep the room too warm or to place too many clothes and blankets on him. Some scientists think that being too warm sends the baby into a very deep sleep so that they cannot wake themselves.
There is a lot of misinformation about SIDS and parents need to make sure that they know which the known facts are. Studying the records shows that SIDS is not caused by choking or vomiting while sleeping on the back. Actually back sleeping is credited for reducing the rate of SIDS by 43%. Parents may find themselves fighting against family practices of their parents or grandparents who insist on stomach sleeping for the baby. Even the condition of positional plagiocephaly is easily treatable. This refers to the flat spot that sometimes develops on the back of a baby's head from sleeping on their back. Use plenty of tummy time while the baby is awake and use soft infant carriers to carry them around with you. Once babies are adept at rolling themselves back and forth, some stomach sleeping is okay.
