SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome which is defined as a sudden and unexplainable death, whilst sleeping, of a seemingly normal and healthy infant below one year of age.
The cause of SIDS is as yet unknown with the experts unsure whether the immediate cause is due to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.
Almost all SIDS deaths occur without warning with 90% of all SIDS deaths occurring by the age of 6 months.
It is known that babies often stop breathing for a short period of time and some researchers believe that, that in the case of SIDS, there is a flaw in the mechanism for the resumption of breathing.
A growing number of researchers now believe that SIDS is not as a result of a single factor but a combination of different conditions.
Many SIDS deaths occur in babies who have just had a cold or other respiratory illnesses and the most common autopsy finding is haemorrhaging in the baby's chest.
It is thought that the most common risk factors for babies in relation to SIDS, although there is insufficient information to enable practitioners to try and predict which babies may die from SIDS, are: Sleeping on the stomach in a prone position Re-breathing of stale air trapped in soft bedding Being born to a teenage mum Insufficient prenatal care Premature babies or those with a low birth weight Being born to a smoking mum or being regularly exposed to a smoky environment Being born into a family where there is a history of SIDS Being born to a mother who abuses drugs Being born to a deprived family Some things you can do to reduce the risk of SIDS are: Always place your baby on there back to sleep.
Never on their front.
Research shows that more babies die of SIDS when place on their front to sleep than when place on their back.
Place your baby on a firm mattress as research has shown that babies who sleep on soft mattresses or other soft surfaces are at greater risk.
Do not smoke during pregnancy or after birth and keep your baby's environment clear of smoke.
Keep all soft pillows, soft toys and other soft items away from your baby whilst sleeping.
Breast feed your baby.
Keep the nursery warm but not over hot (around 64F, 18C).
Keep blankets and other baby bedding away from your baby's mouth.
Discuss the risks of SIDS and possible preventative action with your healthcare provider.
Make sure that anyone that cares for your baby is well aware of the main causes of SIDS and the actions you are taking in order to minimise the risk.