Tragically, there are about 2,500 cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in the United States annually. October is dedicated to raising awareness about safe sleep practices for infants and preventing SIDS.
SIDS is the acronym for sudden infant death syndrome, a term first coined in 1969 and formally adopted in 1971. It has also been referred to as "crib death" or "cot death," although those terms are rare today. Although this subject is sensitive, it is crucial to share research and information to help educate families with young children about safe sleeping habits to reduce the incidence of SIDS.
What Is SIDS?
Sudden infant death syndrome falls under the category of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2020, SIDS accounted for 41 percent of all SUID cases.
SIDS refers to a healthy infant's sudden, inexplicable death and is typically linked to sleep. A SUID diagnosis is applied when no other cause of death can be determined. This diagnosis requires an autopsy, a thorough review of the infant's medical history, and an investigation of the death scene. It means that neither asphyxia, suffocation, strangulation, injury, trauma, or metabolic error are possible causes of death.
Why Is SIDS Awareness Important?
Even though there is less than one death from SIDS overall for every 1,000 live births, this ratio is still too high. While research has not determined the exact cause of SIDS, there are ways to reduce the risks. For example, due in significant part to the Safe to Sleep® campaign, infants' parents and caretakers are now more aware of and understand the potential hazards of SIDS. The Safe to Sleep® campaign offers an extensive digital toolkit such as videos and online print resources to guide parents and caregivers on creating a safe sleep environment for babies.
Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics has updated official safe sleep recommendations for 2023 to help healthcare professionals provide newborn safe sleep education and support to parents and caregivers. While ongoing efforts and resources to assist and educate parents about safe sleep practices have decreased the amount of annual SIDS fatalities, experts believe these rates are still too high.
How Many Children in the US Die of SIDS Each Year?
According to the CDC, about 3,400 babies (less than one year old) die yearly in the US from SUID. In 2020, 1,389 of those deaths were diagnosed as SIDS, while 1,062 deaths were due to unknown causes, and 905 were due to accidental suffocation or strangulation in their beds.
Unfortunately, SIDS remains a mystery and a big concern for caregivers across the United States. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following infants have a higher risk of SIDS:
- Male babies
- Babies between one and four months old
- Infants with a family history of SIDS
- Prematurely-born babies
- Low birth weight babies
- Infants with certain racial backgrounds
How to Prevent SIDS
Again, while there is still much to discover about what causes SIDS, there are concrete actions parents can take to limit the potential risks. Here are actionable steps parents can take to protect their infants while sleeping:
- Arrange your baby in their crib to sleep on their back and inform your baby's other caregivers (grandparents, sitters, daycare, etc.) to do the same.
- Your baby's mattress should be firm and flat, not inclined.
- Your baby's crib should be free of pillows, stuffed animals, toys, and thick blankets.
- Dress your baby for sleep in warm pajamas or a sleep sack that will keep them warm but not overheated while sleeping, negating the need for blankets in the crib.
- Do not cover your baby's head or face.
- Move your baby's crib into your room.
- Your baby's surroundings should be smoke and vape-free.
- Stop swaddling your baby once they begin to roll over.
Other parenting choices associated with a reduced risk of SIDS include the following:
- Breastfeed your baby. According to research, breastfeeding for at least six months to a year reduces the incidence of SIDS.
- Allow your baby to sleep in their crib with a free pacifier (no string, necklace, or strap connected to the pacifier).
How Nurses Can Help Spread Awareness about SIDS
Nurses are crucial in educating parents and caregivers about safe sleep practices. They can provide information on the proper positioning of infants for sleep, such as placing them on their backs, and emphasize the importance of using a firm mattress.
In addition, all healthcare professionals can benefit from learning about the risks of SIDS through interactive learning tools and videos and staying up to date on the best safe sleep practices for infants. In both cases, spreading awareness and educating parents and caregivers about the risk of SIDS can help save lives and prevent families from suffering the loss of a loved one.
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