1. What is SIDS?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden death of an infant under 1 year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history (Willinger et al., 1991).
2. What are the most common characteristics of SIDS?
SIDS is unexpected and occurs suddenly, usually during sleep. It is most common to occur between 2 to 4 months. SIDS occurs more often in boys then girls, and is more common in fall and winter then spring and summer.
3. How many babies die from SIDS?
Each year between 1983 and 1992 the average number of reported SIDS deaths range from 5,000 to 6,000. Since those years there is a decline, in 2002 the deaths decline to 2,295 a year.
4. Are there ways to reduce the risk of SIDS?
There is no way to prevent SIDS but it can be reduced. Mothers health and behavior can be an influence on the infant, as well as environmental and behavioral factors.
5. What does current research indicate about SIDS?
Scientists theorize that some babies at risk for SIDS have defects in those parts of the nervous system that control breathing and heart rate. Maturation of the brainstem may be delayed in SIDS infants.
6. What is SIDS not caused by?
Suffocation, vomiting and choking, minor illnesses such as colds or infection, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus vaccines or other immunizations. It is not contagious, produced by child neglect or abuse, or the cause of every unexpected infant death.
7. How do health professionals diagnose a SIDS death?
SIDS is a diagnosis of "exclusion", after all other alternatives have been eliminated. Medical and legal experts rely on (1) a thorough death scene investigations, (2) autopsy, (3) review of infant's and family's medical records and histories.
8. What are safe places for babies to be put to sleep in?
Cribs, bassinets, portable cribs and other bedding which is approved by the doctor. It is also important to have safe mattresses which is firm and clean.
9. What is safe sleeping environment for a baby?
A safe sleeping environment means that all potential dangers have been removed and the baby is sleeping in a safe place. It should be free of dangling cords and strings, heaters and electrical appliances.
10. Is it safe to wrap/swaddle my baby?
Swaddling the baby can be beneficial because it helps the baby to stay on his or her back and reduces the crying time an help babies sleep better. Swaddling should be done properly.
More information at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota and SIDS and KIDS.
1 comment:
Interesting. I really didn't know much about SIDS before. It really is important to know, though--you always have to be careful, because you never know if your baby is at risk.
Post a Comment