Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)


Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is defined as a sudden unexplained death before 1 year of age. It usually occurs in a previously healthy infant where cause of death cannot be explained despite a thorough investigation and autopsy.

2,300 infants in the United States die of SIDS each year.

It’s the 3rd leading cause of death in infants.

Risk factors for SIDS include:

1. Male 3:2 ratio over females
2. Sleeping on stomach and side positions
3. Maternal smoking during pregnancy, environmental tobacco smoke exposure
4. Overheating
5. Soft bedding, pillows and blankets
6. Co-sleeping in same bed with infant
7. Inadequate prenatal care
8. Young maternal age
9. Prematurity of low birth weight
   

Risk reduction to help reduce SIDS:

1. Back to sleep for every sleep.
2. Use a firm sleep surface.
3. Keep soft objects, pillows, blankets, and loose bedding out of the crib.
4. Avoid tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy and after birth.
5. Room sharing without bed sharing is recommended.
6. Considering offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.
7. Avoid overheating.
8. Do not use home cardio respiratory monitors as a strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS.
9. Breastfeeding should be encouraged to reduce SIDS risk
10. Immunizations should be encouraged to reduce SIDS risk

About author MacKoul Pediatrics

MacKoul Pediatrics is an amazing local pediatrics office in Cape Coral, FL where caring, compassionate doctors and nurses work with you to keep your children as healthy as possible. MacKoul cares for children from birth to college age, from Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, and beyond.