Reducing the risk of sudden death

The cause of cot death is not known. However, you can reduce the risk of sudden death from the measures listed below. The most important are to lie your baby on their back to sleep (not on the front or side), and the creation of a smoke-free zone for your baby.

What is sudden death and how common is it?

Cot death (sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)) is the term used to describe when a baby dies suddenly for no known reason.

Sudden death is rare. About 1 in 2,000 babies die of sudden death in the UK. That is, about 250 babies a year in the UK. Most cases occur in children under 5 months. However, the number of cases in the UK has fallen dramatically since the introduction of the "Reduce the Risk campaign in 1991. (In 1990, more than 3 out of every 1,000 babies died of SIDS.) This campaign was initiated because research showed that the fashion at the time of placing babies to sleep on their front increased the risk of sudden death. campaign has resulted in the majority of parents now knowing that the safest position for a baby to sleep is face up.

Besides sleeping position, other factors can reduce the risk of cot death. These are detailed below.

What I can do to reduce the risk of sudden death?

Research has shown that the risk of cot death can be reduced. Things you can do are divided into four main categories:

Sleeping – learn the best way for your baby to sleep.
Smoking – creating a smoke-free home for your baby.
Symptoms of the disease – see a doctor if your baby seems sick.
Consider breastfeeding.

SLEEP

The best way for your baby to sleep is the following. Make sure the caregivers or nannies know this too.

Lay your baby back to sleep

In other words, do not lie or she on the front or sides. Sudden death is less common in babies who sleep on their backs. Furthermore, there is evidence that babies who sleep on their backs to drown. (This concern was unfounded so common place infants on their face in the past.) Is important to put babies on their backs for naps during the day and all the other moments of sleep, as well as nighttime sleep .

When your baby is less than 5-6 months normally begins to be able to turn around. First, if you find that your baby has turned on his forehead, and then turn them back on to his back. However, you do not have to keep checking in the night. Soon, they will be able to turn around and come back again on their own and, like adults, are cast and turn in their sleep. When they can, it's good for your baby to find their own sleeping position. The risk of SIDS drops sharply at this age and it is safe for them to sleep in any position you want.

Bedding

Do not use a pillow – just use a firm mattress that fits snugly in the cot, covered with a sheet. To cover the use of layers of sheets and blankets baby instead of thin quilts, pillowcases or a "baby nest. Do this at least until the baby is one year. Duvets and shams are more likely to cover the baby's face . addition, the use of thin layers enables to apply and remove layers depending on temperature.

"Sleeping bags" The newest baby means you do not have to use additional bedding for your baby. Carries Baby 'sleeping bag – a bit like an apron dress with sewn bottom. Generally secured with a zipper and / or poppers. come in different tog 'weights, like a quilt normal. That means you can choose a sleeping bag suitable heat depending on whether it is summer or winter, or if you live in hot or cold weather. Your baby can wear a vest, babygro or pajamas, again depending on the warmth of the room where they sleep. The advantage of sleeping bags is that your baby can not bury himself under the covers, sleeping bags also means that your baby can not pull their covers off at night and very cold. sleeping bags can also prevent a baby under roll in front of him or her or sideways. sacs sleep are sized according to your baby's age and must have a minimum weight to lead – check with the manufacturer's label for more information. This means that are not normally suitable for newborns – babies are only a few months. Many parents now choose sleeping bags for babies, although they can be quite expensive.

Do not place material or soft objects such as pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, or under a sleeping baby. Also keep stuffed toys and other soft products from the crib. If you use protective cradle crib should be firm in thin, well secured, and not "pillow-like '. It must also be free of loose ties that present a risk of strangulation.

Cover your baby to his chest and shoulders only

The head must be left uncovered. Place sheets and blankets on the sides of the mattress to prevent the rise in the face. Some parents prefer not to use sheets or blankets. They use "sleeping bags" (detailed above) that are designed to keep the baby warm without the possible hazard of head is covered at night.

Lie 'feet to foot "of your baby

That is, the baby's feet should be just touching the footboard. This means that it can slide down in bed under the sheets or blankets.

Temperature

Babies need to be warm but not too hot. Being too hot increases the risk of sudden death. Having the room at a temperature that is comfortable for you. If your baby is sweating or feels hot, very hot then. Do not place your baby's crib near a heater or radiator, or direct sunlight. Also, do not use hot water bottles, electric blankets, etc.

When you sleep, share a room with your baby – but not the bed

A cot or crib next to your bed is the best place for your baby to sleep until they are at least 6 months old.

Not the best way to share a bed with your baby during sleep (called "co-sleeping"). There is a risk that your baby might roll over in his sleep, or your baby can become trapped under the sheets. Obviously, it is normal to feed and pat your baby when you are resting in bed but awake. However, when it is time for you to sleep, the best place for your baby is in a crib next to your bed. In particular, there is a greater risk when bed sharing if:

Her baby was born prematurely, had a low birth weight, or less than 3 months old.
You smoke – or your partner smokes – (even if you do not smoke in the house).
You are very tired or are taking medicines that may cause drowsiness.
You've taken any alcohol or drugs.

Now you can get cribs that attach to the side of his bed. The baby has his own sleeping area, but no side rails on your side. This means you can feed your baby in bed (even breastfeeding lying), but once you're done, you can slip over the baby in the crib.

Offer your baby a pacifier at bedtime

Research studies have shown that using a pacifier can reduce the risk of cot death. It is unclear how, but it seems to help. Therefore, consider offering your baby a pacifier at the beginning of each sleep episode. However, if your chest, do not start using a dummy until well established with breastfeeding. This is usually when the infant is about one month old. Also, it is common to use a dummy stop when the baby is about 6 to 12 months of age, and that prolonged use of a dummy may possibly lead to dental problems and / or speech.

However, do not force a dummy in a baby who does not want one. If the pacifier when the baby falls asleep, just leave it out. Also, never a mannequin coat anything, like liquid candy or sugar. Clean and replace the dummies regularly.

Do not sleep with your baby on a sofa, chair, sofa, etc.

This has been shown to increase the risk of cot death.

SMOKING

Create a smoke-free zone around your baby. Cigarette smoke is a major "risk factor" for sudden death. Do not let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby. Smoking pregnant, while also increasing the risk of your baby having a sudden death. The greater the number of cigarettes smoked per day during pregnancy, the greater the risk. If possible, do not smoke during pregnancy. The practice nurse, GP or midwife can give you advice and help if you want to quit, but find it difficult.

SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE

Most cot deaths occur 'out of nothing' when the child is asleep. There are usually no symptoms to alert parents or caregivers that something is wrong. However, sometimes a disease is not recognized and quickly gets worse. Consult a doctor if your baby seems wrong. Use your instincts – you better know if something is wrong. The following list is a guide to the main symptoms to consider:

Vomiting, especially bile (green) vomiting.
Takes less liquid (milk supply) and / or produce less urine than usual.
Pitched cry or unusual.
Drowsiness, sagging or less sensitive than usual.
Wheezy, growling, rapid or difficult breathing.
High fever or sweating a lot.
It seems clear or blue.
Blood on diapers.
Rash.

Immunization protects against serious diseases. Babies who are fully vaccinated have a lower risk of sudden death.

BREASTFEEDING

Research studies have shown that breastfed babies have a lower risk of sudden death compared with formula-fed babies. This can be partly explained by the fact that breast-fed babies, on average, have less disease compared with formula-fed babies. But there may be other factors. Breastfeeding also provides other benefits for the baby and the mother. (See separate leaflet called Breastfeeding for more information.)

Enjoy your baby

Sudden death is rare and becomes rare after the age of 5 months – about the time that babies are able to turn around and move a little more. Do not let the worry of sudden death spoil the precious time to get to know your baby. However, the aforementioned measures to reduce the small risk of sudden infant death further. Perhaps most important is simply to remember to put your baby in the back when put to sleep. This is what an American Child Health Institute 'Back to Sleep "campaign promotes.

More help and advice

Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID)

Tel (Helpline): 0808 802 6868 (open 10 am-6 pm Monday through Friday, 6 pm-10 pm on weekends and holidays)
Web: www.fsid.org.uk
FSID funds research, supports bereaved families and promotes safe baby care advice.

Posted in Diseases and Conditions