Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

The term "sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) understand the sudden unexplained death of a child under 1 year. SIDS is sometimes called the "death in the cradle. However, it is associated only with the fact that most children in this age are in the cradles themselves cribs to SIDS are not related.

Risk Groups

* Sudden death most often are children aged from 2 to 4 months.
* In children Caucasian SIDS is less common in children than blacks.
* SIDS happens more often in boys than in girls.
* The risk of SIDS increases maternal smoking during pregnancy and child inhaling smoke after birth.
* The risk is more pronounced for the first children of mothers under 20 years.
* If the mother was not observed by a doctor during pregnancy or later rose to records.
* Preterm and low birthweight children.

Causes SIDS

The causes of SIDS are unknown, and research in this direction are continuing. Scientists studying the nervous system, brain, heart, respiratory system, biochemical balance in the body, autopsy data and the impact of the environment. Rather, the development of SIDS affects a combination of factors.

In some cases, found that SIDS cases developed in children with congenital pathology of the brain that has arisen under the influence of harmful substances or as a result of fetal hypoxia.

In newborns with anomalies greater the risk of oxygen starvation, overheating and infectious diseases, which, in turn, may cause SIDS. Version of the infectious nature of the syndrome accounts for the fact that the majority of sudden infant deaths occur during the cold season, when the most common respiratory and enterovirus infections.

Is it possible to prevent SIDS?

Not yet. However, some measures help reduce the risk of SIDS. Here's what you can to make this:

* Give up smoking. If a woman smoked during pregnancy, the risk of SIDS in a child increases by 3 times. When passive smoking increases the risk of sudden death in 2 times.
* Observe the doctor during pregnancy. Nutrition, smoking cessation and alcohol, and early production on account of pregnancy helps to prevent disease, increase the risk of SIDS.
* Put your baby to sleep on their backs. According to research in countries where children are placed to sleep on their backs, SIDS cases recorded in 2 times less than in countries where children are placed to sleep on his stomach. Sleep on your side is also less risk compared to sleeping on his stomach. Sleep on your back is the best provision for children from 1 month to 1 year. If the child is sleeping on his side, it is desirable to advance forward arm underneath. This will reduce the likelihood that the child will turn over in his sleep on your stomach.
* Children's mattress should be tight. Not recommended to use soft mattresses, sofas, mattresses, water and other soft surfaces.
* Remove from baby crib all soft and fluffy things (fluffy pillows, blankets, soft toys, etc.). They increase the risk of suffocation.
* Make sure your child's face during sleep in public. Quilt or blanket should not fall on him. It is recommended to shelter the child only to his chest. The curtain should be tucked under the mattress.
* Do not overheat baby. During sleep in the room should be warm but not hot. The temperature of the child should be comfortable for an adult. Can lead to overheating of the use of multi-layer blankets and bedspreads. Overheating increases the likelihood of SIDS in children suffering from colds or infectious disease. Possible symptoms of overheating: sweating, damp hair, rash, rapid breathing, anxiety, and sometimes - the temperature increase.
* If possible, breast-feeding. Shown that children who are on feeding tubes, more prone to SIDS. Breast milk contains antibodies that protect the child from certain infectious, respiratory and gastro-intestinal diseases.
* Be sure to regularly visit a pediatrician and timely make your baby vaccinated.

Should I take the child to bed?

Many pediatric organizations do not recommend sleeping with your child because of the increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Adults in alcohol or drug intoxication could crush a baby. Another risk factor - sleeping on soft sofas and other soft surfaces. The most safe for the young child is the cradle.

At the same time, some doctors have a positive attitude to co-sleep with children. It allows you to extend breastfeeding and contributes to the convergence of the mother and child. However, there is no scientific evidence that while the risk of SIDS decreases.

Choosing sleeping together for the period of breast-feeding should observe the same precautions as when device sleeping child in a separate bed. The child is better to sleep on their backs. Not recommended to use soft pillows and blankets. We must also make sure that the child does not fall into the gap between the mattress and bed frame, wall or other furniture.

Decision on joint sleep desirable to discuss with the pediatrician.
Rx Alabama