It is the sudden death of an infant in which the history, physical exam,
and investigation cannot explain or find the cause of the death.
It is also called "crib death" or "cot death" because most SIDS deaths happen
during sleep.
What causes SIDS?
SIDS happens without warning in babies that seem healthy.
No one knows what causes SIDS.
Some babies who die of SIDS may have a part of their brain that does not
work right. This part controls breathing and waking during sleep. It should
wake your baby up if she is not getting enough oxygen and make her move and
cry. This helps her breathe. Babies who do not wake up are at higher risk
for SIDS.
Babies who have respiratory (lung) infections may have a harder time breathing
and be at higher risk for SIDS.
Some babies who die of SIDS may also have a metabolic (chemical) disorder.
SIDS is not caused by child abuse, vaccines or immunizations, allergies,
or choking.
Who can get SIDS?
Only babies under 1 year old can get SIDS.
It is most common between the ages of 1 and 4 months.
It is most common in the fall, winter, and early spring.
African-American infants are 2-3 times more likely to die of SIDS than white
infants. Native Americans are 3 times more likely than white infants.
More boys die of SIDS than girls.
Stomach sleeping is the highest risk factor. Babies should sleep on their
backs.
Other risks include:
The mother smoking, drinking, or using drugs during pregnancy.
A pregnant mother not getting enough medical care before her baby's
birth.
Prematurity or low birth-weight.
Babies born to mothers younger than 20 years old.
Exposing baby to smoke after birth.
A baby put on her stomach to sleep.
What are the symptoms of SIDS?
SIDS does not have any symptoms. It happens to babies that seem healthy.
Doctors will examine a baby and the death scene to make sure the baby did
not die from abuse, an accident, or another condition. If doctors cannot find
a cause for death, the baby may be diagnosed with SIDS.
Is SIDS contagious?
No. SIDS is not contagious.
How can SIDS be prevented?
SIDS is not totally preventable, but parents can take steps to reduce the
risk of SIDS in their infants.
Babies should sleep on a firm surface. Babies who sleep on a soft mattress
or sleep with stuffed toys, or on top of pillows and blankets are at higher
risk for SIDS.
All healthy babies under 1 year old should sleep on their backs. Many studies
prove this is best.
In the past, mothers were told to put babies on their stomachs. Some people
are afraid their baby will choke on vomit if put on their backs. This is not
likely. Sleeping on the back is best.
Tell caregivers, babysitters, family, etc. to put your baby on her back
to sleep.
While she is awake and supervised, your baby can be put on her stomach.
It gives her a chance to move around and develop gross motor skills like pushing
up and lifting her head. This also helps prevent flat spots on the back of
the head. (The flat spots are normal and not unhealthy. They go away as infants
get older.)
Do not let your baby get too warm while sleeping. It could make her go into
a deep sleep. Cover the baby with a light blanket lower than the shoulders.
Keep the room at a temperature comfortable for an adult in a short-sleeved
shirt.
Do not smoke, drink, or use drugs while you are pregnant. Do not let your
baby be around smoke.
Pregnant mothers should get regular medical care beginning early in their
pregnancy. They should eat healthy.
Take your baby to the doctor for check-ups, even if she is healthy.
Breastfeed. It helps your baby stay healthy.
The doctor may tell you not to put your sick baby on her back. Instead,
stretch her bottom arm out (so she won't roll over) and put her on her side
to sleep. Sleeping on the side is better than sleeping on the stomach. Check
with your doctor first.
Some families want to use a monitor to tell them when their baby stops breathing.
The monitors are helpful in some cases but not all. It is not likely the monitor
will prevent SIDS. Ask your doctor.
What if I've lost my child to SIDS?
Parents and families who have lost a child to SIDS will probably feel intense
grief.
They may have many questions or feel guilty or angry about their child's
unexplained death.
Some parents get depressed. Signs are crying easily, not being able to sleep,
changes in appetite, and not being able to concentrate. Depression should
be treated by a doctor.
Children and parents may also worry that something bad will happen to others
that they love.
Birthdays, holidays, and the anniversary of the child's death may be especially
hard times.
Children may also feel grief. They may wet the bed, misbehave, have problems
at school, or have nightmares.
Families can find support in counseling groups, such as the Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome Alliance (1-800-221-7437).
When should I call the doctor?
Call 911 at once if your child stops breathing or turns blue.
Since SIDS is unpredictable, you cannot know when to call your doctor. Babies
do not have symptoms.
Call your doctor if your child is sick or if you have questions or concerns.
Call the doctor if you have lost a child to SIDS and you or a family member
need help coping with the loss.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant and have lost a child to SIDS.
Quick Answers
SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant who is less than 1
year old.
No one knows what causes SIDS.
It is most common between the ages of 1 and 4 months.
SIDS does not have any symptoms. It happens to babies that seem healthy.
SIDS is not contagious.
SIDS is not preventable, but parents can take steps to reduce the risk of
SIDS in their infants. All healthy babies under 1 year old should sleep on
their backs.
Families who have lost a child to SIDS can find support in counseling groups,
such as the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Alliance (1-800-221-7437).
Call your doctor if your child is sick or if you have questions or concerns.
References
Avery and First. (Respiratory Failure, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Pediatric
Medicine. 2nd ed. Baltimore; 1994: (340-343).
Dowshen, S MD and Hersheberger, MS, RN, CPNP. SIDS: Sudden and Silent. 2000
June (cited 2001 October 17). Available from: URL: http://kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=107&cat_id=&article_set=21779
MayoClinic. Sudden Infant death Syndrome. 2001 September 17 (cited 2001
October 17). Available from: URL: http://www.mayoclinic.com/home?id=DS00145
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Fact Sheet: Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome. 1997 April (cited 2001 October 17).
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