ABCs of an infant's safe sleep
High on the list of terrifying healthcare issues is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It's described as the unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old, usually during sleep. It's often called "crib death" because that’s where the child dies.
Research studies have found some plausible speculation, but the cause remains unknown. Mayo Clinic says that "SIDS might be associated with defects in the portion of an infant's brain that controls breathing and arousal from sleep."
These researchers have come up with a list of factors contributing to a higher risk. And, perhaps more importantly, they've identified measures you can take to help protect your baby from SIDS.
The American Academy of Pediatrics calls prevention the ABCs of Safe Sleep. Let's start with A, which stands for alone. What does that mean? It means that babies should sleep alone in their crib without toys, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, bumpers, or other soft items that could pose a suffocation risk.
"Don't put baby to bed with other children or adults. They can accidentally suffocate a baby by lying too close to the baby's mouth or nose or rolling onto them while asleep," AAP says.
B is for on the infant's back. "Babies who sleep on their backs are much less likely to die of infant sleep-related deaths. 'Back to sleep' will not increase a baby's risk of choking." AAP stresses how important this is by encouraging you to teach other mothers, grandmothers, and those caring for babies that "back to sleep" is safest.
C is for crib. AAP says, "Cribs or other safety-approved sleep surfaces should include a firm, tight-fitting mattress, and sheet. Always return your baby to their crib after nursing. To make breastfeeding easier, keep a crib or bassinet next to your bed."
Parents.com tells us that SIDS cases have declined more than 50 percent since the 1990s. And yet, it's still the leading cause of death among infants under age one, with the most deaths occurring before six months and the majority falling between one and four months.
According to Mayo Clinic, boys are slightly more likely to die of SIDS than girls, and they don't know why but nonwhite infants are more susceptible. In addition, babies who've had siblings or cousins die of SIDS are at higher risk, as are those who live with smokers.
"Both being born early and having a low birth weight increase your baby's chances of SIDS," Mayo says. "Premature birth or being part of a multiple birth increases the likelihood that a baby's brain hasn't matured completely, so he or she has less control over such automatic processes as breathing and heart rate."
Researchers also found that many infants who died of SIDS had recently had a cold, which may have contributed to breathing problems.
"During pregnancy, the mother also affects her baby's risk of SIDS, especially if she is younger than twenty, smokes cigarettes, uses drugs or alcohol, or has had inadequate prenatal care," Mayo says.
Circling back to prevention, Mayo cautions not to overheat your baby. They suggest a sleep sack or other clothing that doesn't require additional covers. Don't cover the baby's head.
"Ideally, your baby should sleep in your room with you for at least six months and, if possible, up to a year," Mayo says. "Breastfeeding for at least six months lowers the risk of SIDS."
AAP discourages the use of monitors, especially those that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS. They say they're ineffective and unsafe.
Mayo says that "sucking on a pacifier without a strap or string at naptime and bedtime might reduce the risk of SIDS. One caveat — if you're breastfeeding, wait to offer a pacifier until your baby is three to four weeks old and you've settled into a nursing routine. If your baby's not interested in the pacifier, don't force it.”
And, please immunize your baby. There's no evidence that routine vaccinations increase SIDS risk. There is evidence, however, that immunizations can help prevent SIDS.
Bonner General Health (Gold level certified with Cribs for Kids National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification program) is committed to providing Safe Infant Sleep Education to families and caregivers who care for an infant. Thanks to Angels Over Sandpoint and a donation from Jacey’s Race, each family goes home with a Halo Sleep Sack Blanket.
Kathy Hubbard is a member of the Bonner General Health Foundation Advisory Council. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com.
