Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the unexpected and unexplained sudden death of an infant between the ages of one month and one year. The actual reason for this unexpected death has not yet been discovered. The rate of infant death is highest between the ages of 2 months and 4 months. What causes SIDS in babies? This death is mostly caused during sleep, and the infant shows no sign of pain or struggle. Read on to learn more about the causes and how to prevent infant death syndrome.
What Causes SIDS in Babies?
The actual cause of this disease is still not known, though it is one of the main reasons for infant death. However, some factors put an infant at risk of SIDS. Let’s have a detailed look at sudden infant death causes.
Physical Factors
SIDS is not a genetic disease, and it cannot be predicted. The risks of SIDS may not be only due to a single reason; it can be a combination of many reasons together that act as factors of this disease. Some physical factors associated with SIDS in babies include:
- Low Birth Weight: Being born early can increase the chance that a baby’s brain does not develop at birth. The baby’s breathing and heart rate were quite low at that time.
- Brain Defect: Some infants are born with various problems that make them die of SIDS.
- Respiratory Infection: Many infants who died of SIDS had respiratory infections. This may include a cold or fever that leads to further breathing problems. When a baby sleeps, the face is placed in a downward position, which causes the baby to breathe in the carbon dioxide he has breathed out.
Objects like blankets, soft toys, and mattresses cause air traps. Excessive coverings or dressing up the baby improperly also cause loss of breathing. The breathing stops instantly, leading to a condition named apnea.
Sleep Changes
The sleep position of a baby can increase the chance of SIDS. A few examples include:
- A baby who sleeps on the stomach or side might have trouble breathing.
- Lying on a soft surface or waterbed can block an infant’s airway.
- The risk of SIDS increases when the baby shares the bed with siblings, parents, or pets.
- Overheating when sleeping can increase a baby’s risk of SIDS.
Who Is at Risk for SIDS?
Babies aged between 1 and 4 months old have the most SIDS death. The cases rise during cold weather. Babies may face the highest risk of SIDS if:
- They were born prematurely.
- Their mother used drugs, smoked, or drank during pregnancy.
- They get overheated.
- They sleep on a soft surface.
- Family history of SIDS.
- They sleep with loose blankets or soft objects.
- They have a lower birth weight.
How Common is SIDS in Babies?
Around 2500 babies in the United States die every year due to SIDS. These statistics may sound alarming. However, the condition is quite rare in babies.
What is Sudden Unexpected Infant Death(SUID)?
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death(SUID) is the unexpected death of an infant with no apparent cause. This often occurs in the infant’s sleep area or during sleep. Types of sudden unexpected infant death include:
1. Wedging
Your baby’s head or body gets stuck between objects such as furniture, pillow, wall, or bed frame.
2. Suffocation
Accidental suffocation means covering your baby’s nose and face with a pillow or an adult’s arm.
3. Strangulation
Overlaying or wrapping around your baby’s neck or head can result in sudden death.
How to Prevent Infant Death Syndrome?
The risk of SIDS can be prevented and greatly reduced by following certain steps.
1. Sleep in the Correct Position
A baby should always be put to sleep on his back. When a baby sleeps with their stomach down, they are in the highest risk zone, so it is important to make the baby sleep in a proper position. Your baby should never be left alone, and make sure someone sits next to them all the time.
2. Use a Firm Mattress
You can use a flat and firm mattress. The baby’s place should be covered with fitted sheets. Any kind of blanket, pillow, or soft toy should be kept away from the baby’s crib. This can cause breathing problems for your baby.
3. Avoid Smoking During Pregnancy:
Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of the death of babies due to SIDS. Using drugs during pregnancy also increases the risk of SIDS.
4. Breastfeed Your Baby
How Does Breastfeeding Reduce SIDS? Breastfeeding also reduces the chance of SIDS to a great extent. During the period of breastfeeding, consumption of alcohol should be avoided.
5. Never Overheat Your Baby
You can have a sleep sack to keep your baby warm. Infants should wear light comfortable dresses made of cotton while sleeping. The temperature of the room should also be normal. Overheating increases the risk of SIDS.
6. Proper Immunization
Proper immunization should be given to the baby as it can reduce the risk of SIDS to a great extent.
Hope you have an idea about what causes SIDS in babies and other preventive measures. Babies often have minor illnesses, so you do not need to worry. You can give them plenty of fluids to provide, and don’t let them get too hot. Consult a healthcare provider for spotting signs of serious illness in your baby.
