SIDS (sudden infant death

syndrome)

“Back to Sleep” only!!

SIDS is the sudden and unexpected death of an infant under one year of age that remains unexplained after a complete

investigation including:

- An autopsy

- A death scene investigation

- Review of medical history

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

Child Fatality Data

Medically Explained, 9

10 11

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

Co-sleeping

UnsafeBedding

MedicallyExplained

SIDS Classified

What causes SIDS?

There are still no adequate medical explanations for SIDS deaths, current theories include:

(1)stress in a normal baby, caused by infection or other factors (2) a birth defect(3) failure to develop(4) a critical period when all babies are especially vulnerable, such as a time of rapid growth.

Triple Risk Model

• Certain infants possess underlying vulnerabilities that place them at risk for sudden death.

• It is believed that the convergence of these three factors can set the stage for a SIDS death.

• Risk reduction efforts are geared toward keeping these factors from converging.

What are some risk factors for SIDS?

• Prone sleep position• Soft bedding• Maternal smoking during pregnancy• Exposure to nicotine after birth• Overheating• Late or no prenatal care• Prematurity and/or low birth weight• Young maternal age• Male gender

SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants between one to 12 months old.

Most SIDS deaths occur when a baby is between 2 and 4 months of age. 

At what age does SIDS most likely occur?

Boys are at a higher risk,

60:40 ratio

Why does sleep position make a difference?

• Less potential for rebreathing CO2• More arousable• Less “burrowing”• Less moving around the sleep area• Jaw is less likely to occlude airway• May have better airway and cardiovascular protective

mechanisms• May be less compression of vertebral arteries

No, babies have a natural reflex to turn their head and spit will drip out the side of the mouth instead of pooling around the mouth (which may put them at a higher risk).

Will a baby choke on spit-up Will a baby choke on spit-up or vomit during sleep if or vomit during sleep if

placed on its back?placed on its back?

What is a healthy temperature environment for a sleeping

infant?

• Avoid over heating/ over bundling, can disrupt arousal.

• Dress as is comfortable for adults.• Thermostat no higher than 70̊=• Dress in layers

• Smoking during pregnancy and exposure to second hand smoke are highly correlated with SIDS risk

• Research suggests that nicotine may further disrupt an infant’s arousal mechanism

• Dose-response: the more the cigarettes smoked, the higher the risk

• Maintain a smoke-free zone around the baby

• Nicotine on clothing can also be harmful

How does Nicotine relate to SIDS?

Can pacifiers help reduce the risk of SIDS?

Studies have consistently shown that there is a significant reduced risk of SIDS with pacifier use.

• Consider offering baby a pacifier at naptime and bedtime.

• Do not force baby to take pacifier if he/she refuses it.

• Do not resist once baby falls asleep.• Introduce pacifier after one month of age to

breastfed infants to ensure breastfeeding is firmly established.

What is a safe sleep environment?

• Firm, flat sleep surface is essential• Use of crib or portable crib is recommended• No pillows, sheepskins, fluffy comforters, blanket

rolls, bumper pads or burp rags.• No stuffed toys in bed with the baby• No waterbeds EVER• Avoid use of blankets that can cover the baby’s

face; instead dress the baby in layers under blanket sleeper in cold weather

• Position infants “feet-to-foot” if blankets are used

If a blanket is being used, put the baby’s feet at the foot of the bed.

Tuck the blanket around the crib mattress only as far as the baby’s chest.

SIDS is NOT:• caused by external suffocation• Caused by vomiting and choking• Contagious• Painful and does not cause suffering• Predictable• NEW (Referred in Old Testament-1Kings 3:19)

• No, a baby who dies of SIDS will die. However, this should never be a reason not to attempt resuscitation.

• SIDS is only a diagnosis after death and a complete investigation.

Could a baby who died of SIDS be resuscitated?

Sing, hum, or play soft music. Even making a soft rhythmic sound (Shhhhhhh) over and over will help calm the baby.

If needed, walk baby in your arms, then place him/her on back in the crib when baby is sleepy.

If baby still cries, ask for advice from your doctor or from a trusted friend or family member who has experience getting infants to sleep on their backs.

Place baby’s crib near your bed for at least 6 months. Your breathing may help your baby’s breathing patterns. This can help to lower the risk of SIDS.

What do you do if baby will not sleep on his/her back and cries?

Are babies uncomfortable on their backs?

• Babies do sleep longer and more soundly on their tummies, but that is the problem. They sleep so deeply that they can not wake up easily when they might be in danger.

• Some babies seem happier on their tummies. However, babies will adjust to sleeping on their backs if you start placing them on their backs for EVERY sleep.

Wait a moment to make sure the baby is actually awake. Some babies fuss a bit during an “active phase” of sleep, and then fall back asleep.

If baby wakes up and cries, go to him/her as quickly as possible (that helps calm baby so he/she can fall asleep again.

Hold and feed baby is he/she is hungry, and comfort him/her before placing back to sleep in their own crib.

Try not to play with baby during the night when he/she wakes up.

What if baby wakes up fussy during the night?

Why is tummy time important?

• To help develop upper body strength and prevent flat spots on the baby’s head.

• Tummy time should be encouraged during play time.

• Limit time baby spends in swings, bouncy chairs, car seats, and other devices to reduce the incidence of flat spots.

On their BackOn their Back

In a crib or In a crib or bassinetbassinet

ALONE

ALONEOn a properly On a properly

fitting firm fitting firm mattressmattress

Without Without blankets or blankets or

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