Information: Sudden infant death syndrome

Sudden infant death syndrome

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (S.I.D.S) is the official name given to cot death after an investigation has taken place and no satisfactory explanation has been found for the death. Cot death occurs in 1 in 1500 babies usually between the ages of 1 – 4 months old. In over half of these deaths no cause can be found and they are registered as SIDS.
Breathing failure is suspected as being the reason behind many SIDS deaths, but the cause of this is unknown. It could be due to choking, overheating or suffocation, but there is no clear evidence any of these is the cause. Babies who die in this way do not appear to suffer or struggle. Babies with a low birth weight and those born prematurely are at a higher risk than most, and cold weather too could play a part as more cases of SIDS occur during the winter.
Genetic research is one area that may yet shed light on why this syndrome happens.
In 2004, US scientists discovered a genetic disorder linking some sudden unexplained deaths of children in the Amish community.

PRECAUTIONS

The following could hep to prevent SIDS.

· Not smoking. Although, as previously stated, the actual cause of SIDS is not known, smoking during pregnancy and anywhere near the baby after it has been born has been shown to increase the risk of SIDS. This does not just apply to the mother.
· Place the baby on his or her back to sleep.
· Keep the baby’s head uncovered while asleep.
· Put the baby’s feet at the bottom of the cot to help stop he or she wriggling down under the covers.
· Do not fall asleep on the sofa with your baby.
· Do not share a bed with a baby under 8 weeks old. Also if your partner or yourself are excessively tired, are a smoker or have taken any alcohol or other drugs.
· It is said that a cot in your bedroom is the safest place for a baby to sleep for its first 6 months.
· Use firm flat bedding no pillows or other soft surfaces. Even soft toys are warned against.
· Do not let the baby sleep in a draught.
· Do not let the baby get too hot or cold. The ideal room temperature is 18 degrees C.
· Do not use cot bumpers, duvets, sheepskins and quilts. Don’t let the baby sleep next to a heater, fire, radiator, in direct sunlight or with a hot water bottle.
· Breastfeed the baby if you can. Breastfeeding is encouraged as being the best way to pass on vital nutrients and antibodies to an infant. It is said to help prevent SIDS.
· Keep up to date with immunisations.
· After being out with your baby, take off their outdoor clothing as soon as you get inside.

Below are some guidelines from the department of health for bedding at certain temperatures. They relate to a baby wearing a nappy, vest and babygro.

BEDDING TEMPERATURE OF ROOM

Sheet and 4 or more layers of blankets 12 degrees C
Sheet and 3 or 4 layers of blankets 14 degrees C
Sheet and 3 layers of blankets 16 degrees C
Sheet and 2 layers of blankets 18 degrees C
Sheet and 1 or 2 layers of blankets 20 degrees C
Sheet and 1 layer of blankets or sheet only 22 degrees C
Sheet only 24 degrees C

Here are some links to sites with more information.

http://www.sids.org.uk/fsid/

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/04/22114815/48171