SIDS
(sudden infant death
syndrome)
“Back to Sleep” only!!
What is Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome (SIDS)?
SIDS is the sudden and unexpected death
of an infant under one year of age that
remains unexplained after a complete
investigation including:
- An autopsy
- A death scene investigation
- Review of medical history
Child Fatality Data
12
10
Medically
Explained, 9
11
10
8
Medically
Explained
SIDS Classified
6
4
2
0
Cosleeping
Unsafe
Bedding
What causes SIDS?
There are still no adequate medical explanations
for SIDS deaths, current theories include:
(1) stress in a normal baby, caused by infection or
other factors
(2) a birth defect
(3) failure to develop
(4) a critical period when all babies are especially
vulnerable, such as a time of rapid growth.
Triple Risk Model
• Certain infants possess
underlying vulnerabilities
that place them at risk for
sudden death.
• It is believed that the
convergence of these three
factors can set the stage for
a SIDS death.
• Risk reduction efforts are
geared toward keeping
these factors from
converging.
What are some risk
factors for SIDS?
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Prone sleep position
Soft bedding
Maternal smoking during pregnancy
Exposure to nicotine after birth
Overheating
Late or no prenatal care
Prematurity and/or low birth weight
Young maternal age
Male gender
At what age does SIDS most
likely occur?
SIDS is the leading cause of death in
infants between one to 12 months old.
Most SIDS deaths occur when a baby is
between 2 and 4 months of age.
Boys are at a higher risk,
60:40 ratio
Why does sleep position make
a difference?
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•
•
•
•
•
Less potential for rebreathing CO2
More arousable
Less “burrowing”
Less moving around the sleep area
Jaw is less likely to occlude airway
May have better airway and cardiovascular protective
mechanisms
• May be less compression of vertebral arteries
Will a baby choke on spit-up
or vomit during sleep if placed
on its back?
No, babies have a natural
reflex to turn their head
and spit will drip out the
side of the mouth instead
of pooling around the
mouth (which may put
them at a higher risk).
What is a healthy temperature
environment for a sleeping
infant?
• Avoid over heating/ over bundling,
can disrupt arousal.
• Dress as is comfortable for adults.
• Thermostat no higher than 70̊
• Dress in layers
How does Nicotine relate to
SIDS?
• Smoking during pregnancy and exposure to
second hand smoke are highly correlated
with SIDS risk
• Research suggests that nicotine may further
disrupt an infant’s arousal mechanism
• Dose-response: the more the cigarettes
smoked, the higher the risk
• Maintain a smoke-free zone around the baby
• Nicotine on clothing can also be harmful
Can pacifiers help reduce the
risk of SIDS?
Studies have consistently shown that there
is a significant reduced risk of SIDS with
pacifier use.
• Consider offering baby a pacifier at naptime and
bedtime.
• Do not force baby to take pacifier if he/she refuses
it.
• Do not resist once baby falls asleep.
• Introduce pacifier after one month of age to
breastfed infants to ensure breastfeeding is firmly
established.
What is a safe sleep
environment?
• Firm, flat sleep surface is essential
• Use of crib or portable crib is recommended
• No pillows, sheepskins, fluffy comforters, blanket
rolls, bumper pads or burp rags.
• No stuffed toys in bed with the baby
• No waterbeds EVER
• Avoid use of blankets that can cover the baby’s
face; instead dress the baby in layers under
blanket sleeper in cold weather
• Position infants “feet-to-foot” if blankets are used
If a blanket is being used, put
the baby’s feet at the foot of
the bed.
Tuck the blanket around the
crib mattress only as far as
the baby’s chest.
SIDS is NOT:
•
•
•
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caused by external suffocation
Caused by vomiting and choking
Contagious
Painful and does not cause suffering
Predictable
NEW (Referred in Old Testament-1Kings 3:19)
Could a baby who died of
SIDS be resuscitated?
• No, a baby who dies of
SIDS will die. However,
this should never be a
reason not to attempt
resuscitation.
• SIDS is only a diagnosis
after death and a
complete investigation.
What do you do if
baby will not sleep
on his/her back and
cries?
 Sing, hum, or play soft music. Even making a soft
rhythmic sound (Shhhhhhh) over and over will help
calm the baby.
 If needed, walk baby in your arms, then place
him/her on back in the crib when baby is sleepy.
 If baby still cries, ask for advice from your doctor
or from a trusted friend or family member who has
experience getting infants to sleep on their backs.
 Place baby’s crib near your bed for at least 6
months. Your breathing may help your baby’s
breathing patterns. This can help to lower the risk of
SIDS.
Are babies uncomfortable on
their backs?
• Babies do sleep longer and more soundly on their
tummies, but that is the problem. They sleep so
deeply that they can not wake up easily when
they might be in danger.
• Some babies seem happier on their tummies.
However, babies will adjust to sleeping on their
backs if you start placing them on their backs for
EVERY sleep.
What if baby wakes up fussy
during the night?
 Wait a moment to make sure the baby is
actually awake. Some babies fuss a bit
during an “active phase” of sleep, and
then fall back asleep.
 If baby wakes up and cries, go to
him/her as quickly as possible (that
helps calm baby so he/she can fall
asleep again.
 Hold and feed baby is he/she is hungry,
and comfort him/her before placing back
to sleep in their own crib.
 Try not to play with baby during the
night when he/she wakes up.
Why is tummy time important?
• To help develop upper body strength and
prevent flat spots on the baby’s head.
• Tummy time should be encouraged
during play time.
• Limit time baby spends in swings, bouncy
chairs, car seats, and other devices to
reduce the incidence of flat spots.
On their Back
In a crib or
bassinet
On a properly
fitting firm
mattress
Without
blankets or
toys