Everything You Need to Know About Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Making Sense of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Often called “crib death,” sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a devastating issue affecting families all over the world. This tragic and mysterious phenomenon occurs with an otherwise healthy baby unexpectedly and suddenly dies, typically during sleep. While SIDS is rare, it is still one of the top causes of death for infants under a year old. Because research is ongoing, we now have insight into the factors that can reduce or increase the risk of SIDS, and steps parents and caregivers can take to create a safer sleeping environment. Here, we look at SIDS, its potential causes, and how you can help reduce the risk for your baby.

SIDS: An Overview

SIDS typically occurs in babies less than a year old, who seem healthy, and it happens while they are sleeping. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed that SIDS could be caused by problems with the part of the infant’s brain that controls breathing and waking from sleep. Most of the time, no explanation can be found for the child’s death, but researchers have determined some factors that put babies at a higher risk of crib death. It is known that babies who sleep on their stomachs are 12.9 times more likely to die of SIDs than those who sleep on their backs. Why does sleep position make such a big difference? Babies sleeping on their stomachs are more likely to rebreathe exhaled air, leading to lower oxygen levels and a buildup of carbon dioxide, which can potentially cause suffocation. Additionally, babies sleeping on their stomachs sleep deeper, for longer stretches, are more likely to overheat, and may experience sudden drops in blood pressure. It all adds up to a higher risk of SIDS.

Why Does SIDS Happen?

It used to be thought that SIDS affected healthy babies at random, but the theory on that has changed. Now, researchers believe that multiple risk factors combine to cause a baby to die from SIDS. Even if a baby seems perfectly healthy, there may be underlying factors that put them at risk. The condition is not completely understood, but we are beginning to understand what raises the risk. In some babies, the part of the brain that is supposed to counteract dangerous breathing conditions is underdeveloped. There may also be a connection between SIDS and low levels of a particular enzyme, or the presence of certain genes. While these underlying problems do not mean the baby absolutely will die of SIDS, they can combine with other risk factors to cause a dangerous situation. While previous theories have been floated, linking SIDS to vomiting, choking, illness, or immunizations, these have been disproven.

What Are the Risk Factors for SIDS

Many of the known risk factors for SIDS can be avoided, so it is important for parents to understand them, to avoid as many as possible. In addition to stomach sleeping risk factors include:

• Brain defects
• Respiratory infections
• Low birth weight
• Premature birth, or multiples
• Family history of SIDS
• Race (the risk is twice as high for African American and Native American babies)
• Gender (males are at higher risk than females)
• A mother under 20 years of age
• Overheating
• Co-sleeping
• Unsafe or old crib
• Too-soft bedding or objects in the crib
• Using a sleep positioner or wedge
• Secondhand smoke
• The use of drugs or alcohol during pregnancy

Reducing Your Baby’s Risk of SIDS

Because the cause of SIDS is not known, the condition is not preventable. However, you can reduce your baby’s risk by being proactive. Babies should always sleep on their backs, rather than their stomachs or sides. Using a pacifier can also reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS, but make sure not to use a cord or attach the pacifier to the baby’s clothing, bedding, or a stuffed animal. Babies who sleep in the same room as their parents are at lower risk, so keep your baby close, but don’t co-sleep. Don’t let your baby get overheated, and don’t allow napping in the car seat, stroller, swing, or carrier for any longer than necessary. Stop swaddling when the baby begins to roll over, because that can increase the risk of suffocation. Put your baby to bed on a firm, flat crib mattress with a fitted sheet and no other bedding, soft toys, or stuffed animals until the first birthday. Get your baby vaccinated, and breastfeed if you can, for at least six months.

Support for Families Affected by SIDS

Losing a baby to SIDS is devastating. Aside from the pain of losing your little one, SIDS takes an emotional toll, particularly as it is mandatory in SIDS death for an investigation and autopsy to be performed. Losing a baby this way can strain the relationship between the parents and impact any other children in the family, as well. It is vital to get support, whether from a support group or through counseling, to help you cope with this loss.

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