What is the full form of SIDS?

What is SIDS?

SIDS can be expanded to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It is an unexplained condition as nobody knows the reason behind this disease. The babies within the age of one year die due to this syndrome. Usually, babies die during sleep but sometimes they also die while they are awake. Another name for this syndrome is crib death as infants die in their crib. The reasons behind this syndrome are yet unknown but it can be expected that it happens due to the part of the brain which has control over breathing and waking of the baby.

Causes of SIDS

There are many causes of SIDS are we will discuss them here.

Brain defects

• The brain of a baby may not be able to control breathing and waking up from sleep

• The brain of a baby may not work properly due to premature birth

• Baby who suffer from cold may die because of breathing problems

• Babies who sleep on their stomach or side may develop breathing problems

• The airway of the infants may get blocked if they sleep on soft and fluffy surfaces

• If babies share their bed with parents of siblings, the chances of SIDS arise

• Overheating may also be a problem for babies as the risk of SIDS is increased

Risk Factors for SIDS

There are many risk factors related to SIDS and some of them are discussed here.

Gender

In comparison to female babies, males are more prone to SIDS.

Age

Children between the ages of 2 and 4 months die of SIDS.

Family History

If a family has a history that infants have died of SIDS, then the risk is high.

Passive Smoke

If any of the parents or guardians have the habit of smoking, passive smoking can lead to the death of infants due to SIDS.

Premature Birth

There are situations in which children are born before their scheduled time. This is called premature birth.

Risk factors related to mothers who are conceiving

Pregnant women may also be the reason for SIDS in the following cases

• If the age of a pregnant woman is less than twenty, there are chances of SIDS

• Women who smoke, consume alcohol or use different types of drugs

• During pregnancy, adequate medical care is not given

Prevention of SIDS

There is no way to prevent SIDS but infants can be saved if the following things are taken into practice.

Sleep in the correct position

Babies should sleep in the correct position. It is better that they should sleep on their back rather than side or on their stomach as it can block the airway. Babies should never be left alone. If caregivers are hired, they should be instructed that babies should be kept on their back position while sleeping during the first year.

The crib should not have a fluffy mattress

In the case of cribs, babies should not sleep on the fluffy mattress as their airways can be blocked. The mattress should be firm and flat. Pillows fluffy toys stuffed animals, etc. should be removed from the crib during the sleeping time of the baby.

Overheating is not good

Babies should not be covered with blankets. Rather sleep sack should be used to prevent cold

Sleeping bed

Babies should not sleep with their parents on the bed. Their beds should be separate. The beds of parents are not safe as babies can get trapped and suffocated. Babies can also get suffocated if parents roll over the baby and cover their nose or mouth.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding should be done for at least six months to lower the risk of SIDS.

Usage of Pacifiers

Pacifiers should be used to prevent SIDS. They should be forcefully used if babies are not interested. If the pacifier falls while the baby is asleep, it should not again be used.

Conclusion

SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. This is a condition in which babies with the age of one year die suddenly. This can happen due to suffocation, brain defects, abnormal breathing, and many more. More care should be taken while babies are sleeping. They should sleep on their back on a firm flat mattress. Fluffy toys should be removed to avoid suffocation.

FAQs

1: What is SIDS?

SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and is a condition in which babies within the age of one year die due to suffocation, or other reasons.

2: Can babies also die while they are awake due to SIDS?

Yes! Babies can die due to SIDS while they are awake but usually, this happens during sleep.

3: Which gender faces more deaths?

Usually male babies are more prone to death by SIDS in comparison to female babies.

4: Children of which age suffer from SIDS?

Children whose age is between 2 to 4 months are affected by SIDS.

5: Is smoking also a cause of SIDS?

Yes! Smoking is also a cause of SIDS especially passive smoking as it can cause suffocation to babies.