Are you worried about your baby's sleep? Let's learn about SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)!

The joy we feel when a newborn baby comes home is indescribable, right? But at the same time, it is normal to feel a little worried and responsible for the safety and well-being of the little one. Especially when the baby is sleeping, how many times do we check to see if he is okay and breathing? At times like these, some parents are a little more worried about this condition called SIDS. So, let's talk about this clearly and simply today.

What is SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)? Let's understand it simply!

Simply put, SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome . This means that a healthy baby between one month and one year old suddenly dies without any apparent cause. Imagine, doctors do a thorough investigation. That means they conduct an autopsy, examine the scene of the baby's death, and review all of the baby's medical records. If, despite all this, doctors cannot find a specific cause for the baby's death and the baby is under one year old, the death is called SIDS. Most babies who die from SIDS are between 2 and 4 months old. Also, 90% of them are babies under 6 months old. Most of these babies die while they are sleeping, especially between midnight and 6 am . This is why some people call SIDS "crib death" or "cot death." This does not mean that cribs cause SIDS. However, the environment in which a baby sleeps can affect their risk of sleep-related death. As far as we know, the best way to prevent SIDS is to put your baby to sleep on their back .

What is the difference between SIDS and SUID?

These two names can be a little confusing. SIDS is not the cause of all sudden infant deaths. In the United States alone, thousands of babies die suddenly and unexpectedly every year. Researchers call these deaths SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death) . SUID includes all unexpected deaths. That is, deaths with a clear cause, such as suffocation , and deaths with no known cause, such as SIDS. It is said that about half of SUID cases are SIDS .

How common is SIDS?

This is actually a bit scary. In a country like America, SIDS is reported as the leading cause of death among babies between one month and one year old. It is said that about 2,500 babies die from SIDS every year. Similar incidents are reported in Sri Lanka too, so it is very important for us to be aware of this.

What are the symptoms of SIDS?

This is the saddest thing about SIDS. Almost all SIDS deaths occur without any prior symptoms or warning signs. This means that the baby can be playing, laughing, and sleeping well after something like this happens.

What causes SIDS? What really happens?

As we mentioned earlier, SIDS is by definition "unexplained death." So the exact cause of SIDS is still unknown . However, researchers are continuing to study this to understand how it happens. The main idea is that babies who die from SIDS may have an underlying vulnerability . This could be due to a genetic pattern or a brain abnormality. Then, when the baby's brain or immune system is exposed to a trigger early in its development, it is thought that this pre-existing vulnerability may cause sudden death. There are several risk factors that increase the risk of SIDS, including:

• Exposure to smoking during or after pregnancy : Not only does the mother smoke, but also someone else in the baby's environment can affect it.
• Delayed or missed prenatal care : It is very important to follow medical advice carefully during pregnancy.
• An unsafe sleeping position or sleeping environment: We will talk about this in detail later.
• Teen pregnancy : Children of mothers under the age of 18 are at higher risk.
• Premature birth or low birth weight: Babies born prematurely and with low birth weight are at higher risk.
• Overheating: It is not good to over-wrap your baby and let him sleep in a hot room.
• Mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
• Being a boy: It has been found that boys are at slightly higher risk of SIDS than girls.
• If another brother or sister in the family has died from SIDS.
• Being a twin.
• Difficulty breathing (`Apnea`) or previous episodes of breathing stopping.

Researchers believe that babies who die from SIDS have problems controlling their breathing, heart rate , and body temperature , and therefore respond differently to these triggers.

Do vaccines cause SIDS?

No, absolutely not! Vaccines do not cause SIDS.

Occasionally, there may be reports of a baby dying after receiving routine vaccinations. However, there is no scientific evidence that childhood vaccinations increase the risk of SIDS.In fact, recent research has shown that vaccinations may even help protect against SIDS . Other things that don't cause SIDS include:

• Cribs
• Choking or vomiting
• Child abuse or neglect
• Infections and illnesses

Is SIDS contagious?

No. SIDS is not caused by an infection. Therefore, it is not contagious or easy to catch from one person to another.

What can we do to prevent SIDS?

It may not always be possible to completely prevent SIDS. However, there are many things you can do to reduce your baby's risk. Preventing SIDS starts with making your baby's sleeping space safe.

Let's protect the baby's sleeping environment!

• If you or your baby have any of the risk factors mentioned above, do not let your baby sleep in your bed.
• For at least 6 months, let your baby sleep in your room, but on a separate sleeping surface. For example, you can use a sidecar attached to the bed, a bassinet to make breastfeeding easier, or a separate crib. It has been found that putting your baby to sleep in your room can reduce the risk of SIDS by about 50%.
• Choose a new, baby-friendly crib. It should be one that won't let the baby fall between the sides of the crib and the mattress, and that won't get their head stuck between the crib bars.
• When choosing a mattress, choose one that is slightly firmer than a soft one. Also, make sure the mattress is flat and level.
• Remove all extra items from your baby's sleeping area. This includes blankets, pillows, toys, stuffed animals, and crib bumpers. These items can suffocate your baby and get wrapped around his neck. Just a fitted sheet is enough.
• Always put your baby to sleep on his back (on his back) - not on his side or on his stomach. This applies to both daytime and nighttime sleep. Young babies' muscles are not yet fully developed, and their heads are very heavy. If your baby is on his stomach, it may be difficult to breathe, but he may not be able to lift his head.
• Keep your bedroom at a moderate temperature. Research has shown that when babies are overheated, they can fall into a deep sleep, which can be difficult to wake up even when their body signals them to breathe.
• Once the baby starts rolling over, stop swaddling him/her with a cloth.

Other ways to prevent SIDS

• Vaccinate your baby on time: Research shows that vaccinating your baby on time can reduce the risk of SIDS by about 50%.
• Breastfeed:Breastfeeding has been found to reduce a baby's risk of SIDS.
• Give your baby a pacifier: Scientists believe that pacifiers help keep your baby's airway open or prevent them from falling into a deep sleep. This is also a reason to reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco products: Avoid using these products during pregnancy and after the baby is born.
• Don't rely entirely on breathing monitors: Research has not confirmed that these devices on the market that claim to prevent SIDS actually work.
• Give your baby "tummy time": When your baby is awake, let him play on his stomach while you or another adult is watching. This can also help prevent flat head syndrome (Plagiocephaly).

When should you take your baby to the doctor?

While there is no way to completely prevent SIDS, one thing you can do to reduce your baby's risk is to make sure you take your baby to regular well-baby care visits. At these visits, your doctor will check that your baby is healthy and developing as expected. Your baby will be given all the necessary vaccinations. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about keeping your baby safe.

Take-Home Message

Oh, SIDS is truly heartbreaking. When you experience something like this, the anger, sadness, guilt, and shock you feel are beyond words. All of those feelings are valid. The most important thing is that we are aware of this and do everything we can to protect our babies.

• Always put your baby to sleep on his or her back.
• Make your baby's sleeping area safe and free of unnecessary items.
• Make your baby sleep in your room, but in a separate place, for at least 6 months.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol use.
• Give your baby vaccines on time.
• Breastfeed as much as possible.

By following these steps, we can make our little ones' lives much safer. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to your family doctor. They will be able to help you. If you know someone who has lost a child to SIDS, or if you have experienced it yourself, don't hesitate to ask for help to cope with the pain. Your doctor can guide you to places where you can get the emotional support you need. It may be helpful to join a support group for parents who have had similar experiences, or to talk to a counselor on your own. However, give yourself time to heal after such an unbearable loss.