Facts about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

What is SIDS?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the diagnosis given for the sudden death of an infant under one year of age that remains unexplained after a complete investigation, which includes an autopsy, examination of the death scene and a review of the symptoms or illnesses the infant had prior to dying and any other important medical history.

SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants between 1 month and 1 year of age.

What are the risk factors for SIDS?

• Babies who sleep on their stomach are more likely to die from SIDS

• Passive Smoking - if someone else in the house smokes, this increases the likelihood of SIDS

• Mothers who smoke during pregnancy are 3 times more likely to have a SIDS baby than those who don't.

• If the baby is too hot or too cold - i.e. wrapped too well in a warm environment or too exposed in a cold environment.

• Mothers who are less than 20 years at the time of their first pregnancy.

• Babies of mothers who had no or late prenatal care.

• premature of low birth weight babies.

How can I reduce the risk of SIDS?

• Place your baby on his/her back to sleep, at night time and nap time.

• Place your baby on a firm, clean well fitted mattress in the crib or bassinet.

• Do not put fluffy blankets, thick quilts, comforters or sheepskin under or over a baby, and remove any soft stuffed toys or pillows from the crib.

• Make sure your baby's head and face stay uncovered during sleep.

• Temperature: Avoid to much heat in your baby's room. Keep the temperature at a level that is comfortable to you. and don't overdress your baby at nighttime.

• Never smoke around your baby or allow anyone else to smoke near your baby.

• Take your baby to the doctor for routine check ups and scheduled immunisations.

• Be sure to get early and regular prenatal care, including frequent doctor visits, good nutrition, and don't use drugs or alcohol.