So-called sudden infant death or crib death as it is also known, is the death of an apparently healthy baby that occurs without explanation. Neither the doctor nor the autopsy can find a reason for the death, being diagnosed as sudden infant death. This event is not considered a specific disease, sudden infant death is considered the leading cause of death among babies from one month to one year of age. Even though research and studies on the subject have been conducted for over 20 years, up to now no significant answers have been found. The problem cannot be avoided, however, certain precautions can help reduce the risks, such as the way the baby is positioned to sleep, for example.
Studies have shown that a very large number of babies who died due to sudden infant death syndrome were linked to mothers who smoked. Other risk factors include:
- Premature and low birth weight babies
- Mothers who use drugs
- Mothers aged 13 to 19 years
- Bottle feeding
- Sleeping position
- Family history of sudden death
Fetal exposure to tobacco can cause lung disorders that directly affect the functioning of the lungs, which can suddenly stop working. The habit of sleeping on the stomach is also pointed out as a strong risk factor, because the baby cannot control their breathing as they should.
How to Reduce the Risks of Sudden Infant Death?
The best way to put a baby to sleep is on their back or on their side. Pillows, toys, and any other objects that could pose a suffocation risk should be removed from the crib, including duvets, sheets, and even bumpers. Babies who sleep with their parents are also at risk of suffocation, including from blankets and pillows. If the parents are smokers, use sedatives, or are heavy sleepers, the risks increase even more.
Tobacco use during pregnancy is harmful to the fetus’s health, and after birth the risks of sudden death for babies who have direct contact with smoke are also great due to inhalation, which is as strong as for the adult who is smoking the cigarette. Because their lungs are fragile, the risk is even higher, so avoid environments with smokers.
Not overdoing the baby’s clothing and blankets is also a way to prevent it, since overheating can also be a cause of sudden death. It is recommended to check the baby’s body temperature by the neck and belly, never by the extremities such as feet and hands, which are usually colder than the rest of the body.
Light blankets are enough to keep the baby warm in the crib. To cover the bed, use fitted sheets so they can be properly secured to the mattress, preventing the baby from pulling and covering their face causing suffocation. Frequent visits to the pediatrician are also extremely important to properly monitor the baby’s health and development. Vaccines required should be given within the time indicated on the vaccination record, preventing most infections.
See also: Care for the Newborn – We’ve Arrived Home, Now What?
Photo: Anton Diaz, Vinci Tan
