What exactly is SIDS?
A Blog Post by Christine Langer
SIDS, also known as sudden infant death syndrome, describes infant sleep-related deaths that cannot be explained. The baby stops breathing without any warning, but nobody knows why for sure, even the scientists. Some researchers have linked brain abnormalities to SIDS. Other studies identified a potential gene mutation that could play a role in causing SIDS. Nevertheless, the cause of SIDS is debated heavily by the scientific community.
Is SIDS a Common Thing?
In the 1980s, SIDS tragically claimed the lives of 5,000 babies a year. At that time, parents were told never to put a baby to sleep on their back, because doctors worried back-sleeping babies might choke on their spit-up. SIDS also tends to be slightly more common in baby boys.
SIDS usually occurs when a baby is asleep, although it can occasionally happen while they're awake.
What can Parents Do to Reduce the Chance of SIDS?
✔️Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
✔️Place your baby in the "feet to foot" position – with their feet touching the end of the cot, Moses basket, or pram.
✔️Keep your baby's head uncovered – their blanket should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders.
✔️Let your baby sleep in a cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first 6 months.
✔️Use a mattress that's firm, flat, waterproof and in good condition.
✔️Breastfeed your baby if you can.
✔️Make sure you use a sling or baby-carrier safely.
✔️Use a baby monitor such as Bebcare that has a baby movement sensor functionality*
* a baby monitor with movement sensor is meant to be an assistive device. A Bebcare baby monitor is not a medical device and does not replace proper supervision of the baby by an adult.
Taking Immediate Action is Key to Reduce SIDS
Babies often have minor illnesses that you do not need to worry about. Give your baby plenty of fluids to drink and do not let them get too cold or too hot.
If you're worried about your baby at any point, see your home doctor or call 911 immediately for assistance. The more you delay immediate medical care, the lower the chance of survival as a result of SIDS related causes.
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- Christine Langer