by Ray Burow

Created on: March 18, 2010

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is responsible for more than 2000 infant deaths a year in the United States. It is the number one cause of death for infants between one month and one year old. SIDS is an unimaginable syndrome which strikes without warning. Parents lay there babies down to sleep and upon checking on them, find the baby is no longer breathing.

There is no definitive cause of death.  SIDS is sudden and unpredictable, exactly as its name implies. Statistics are not readily available on how many children and families are affected worldwide; certainly too many.

As of yet there is no cure for SIDS, though significant progress has been made. The rate of infant deaths, attributed to SIDS, has dropped fifty percent since the early eighties. While researchers have not found a cure, possible contributing factors have been identified.  One of the most recent and most well known preventions is; placing the baby on his or her back while sleeping. This prevents the intake of carbon dioxide, which is thought to be a factor. When the baby inhales oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide, the carbon dioxide can be trapped between the baby’s airway and the crib mattress. This little pocket of carbon dioxide proves deadly. This is possibly one contributor to SIDS. However, it has not been proven to be the direct cause. Researchers have identified other concerns and encourage parents to pay close attention to these issues which may play a role in SIDS deaths.

 The following precautions should be taken before your baby's birth.

* Pregnant women should seek immediate prenatal care. The first visit to the OBGYN should take place within the first three months.  

* It should go without saying, but I will say it anyway; “Don’t take drugs, drink alcohol, or smoke during pregnancy. All of these increase the possibility of SIDS.

 * Teenage girls should not become pregnant.

Babies of young mothers (teenagers) are particularly susceptible to SIDS. Studies have shown that babies of teenage moms have a higher rate of death than babies of mothers who are older. Teenage mothers who have previously given birth should absolutely not become pregnant a second time during their teenage years, since the risk for SIDS increases. The risk also increases to teenage mothers who gave birth to a baby who previously died from SIDS.

 * SIDS rates are higher for babies who are born close to their siblings. The suggested time to wait between pregnancies is at the very least, one year.

 The following precautions should be implemented to cut the risk of SIDS after your baby is born: 

* Always place babies to sleep on their backs.

* Do not use soft and fluffy blankets in the crib. Place your baby in his crib on a firm mattress. Dress the baby warmly to eliminate the need for a blanket in the infant’s bed. Soft blankets, pillows and toys should not be placed in the crib.

* Carefully regulate the temperature in the baby's room. The room should be comfortable; not too cold of course, but additionally it should not be overly warm. An infant who is overheated has a greater risk for SIDS.

 * Do not expose your baby to second-hand smoke.

 * Do not place your baby in bed with you, or in any adult bed.

The lists above are not exhaustive. Talk to your baby’s pediatrician for a complete list of precautions. The more educated you are on the risks associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, the better you are equipped to protect your baby. Until there is a definite cure this is the next best thing.

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