To Your Health
Questions and Answers About Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

by Paulette Avery, R.N., M.S.N.

One aspect of my work as a maternal child health nurse is educating new parents.

Since I am often asked questions about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), I recently developed a handout to provide information on this topic. The recommendations for preventing SIDS have changed in the last few years, so even those of you familiar with the subject may learn something new.

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)? SIDS is the sudden unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant.

At what age does SIDS occur? SIDS most commonly occurs between the ages of two to four months, but can occur anytime in the first year of life.

What causes SIDS? In spite of much research, the cause is not known. However, a clear link between a baby s position for sleep and the occurrence of SIDS has been found. Babies who sleep on their abdomens have a significantly higher rate of SIDS compared to babies put to sleep on their backs. Researchers believe sleeping on the abdomen may provide babies with less oxygen and an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the bedding that can lead to death.

Can I put my baby to sleep on his or her side? Research indicates the back-lying position is the safest position for avoiding SIDS. Babies put to sleep on their side may more easily roll onto their abdomen. Wedges used to hold a baby in a side-lying position are not recommended.

Won t my baby be more likely to choke when sleeping in a back-lying position? No. This is a very common parental concern, but researchers have found no increased risk for aspiration for babies put to sleep on their backs. In fact, two babies in Australia who died from aspiration were sleeping on their abdomens.

Are there additional recommendations for minimizing the chance of SIDS? Yes.

1. The back-lying position is most protective, but side is better than on the tummy. If you put your baby on the side to sleep, bring the dependent arm forward to decrease the chance of rolling to the tummy.

2. Avoid soft surfaces, gas-trapping objects (pillows, quilts, stuffed toys) in the sleeping area, and overheated rooms.

3. Avoid cigarette-smoke exposure during pregnancy and after birth. A British study found that maternal smoking doubled the risk of SIDS.

4. Breast-feed your baby.

5. When your baby is awake, allow time in the tummy-down position to encourage normal development.

6. Use these recommendations only for healthy infants. If in doubt, check with your pediatrician.

Will my baby develop a flat spot on the back of his or her head? This can occur with a baby who is always placed in the same position. To avoid this possibility, turn the baby s head to one side or the other at least some of the time.

If we follow all these recommendations, will our baby be safe from SIDS? Unfortunately, there are no guarantees. Even parents who do everything right have babies who die of SIDS. But remember that SIDS is a relatively uncommon event, and following these recommendations will give you the assurance that you have done all you could to protect your baby.

Sources: SIDS Network Web Page, American Academy of Pediatrics.

Paulette Avery is a registered nurse and a freelance writer specializing in health issues.