What is sudden death syndrome and how to prevent it?
What is SIDS Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the death of a baby while sleeping for no apparent reason, usually occurring between 2 and 4 months of age.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends taking the following safety measures to prevent Sudden Death Syndrome:
The most common risk factor is associated with sleeping on your stomach.
- The baby should sleep on his back in a different bed than the parents. It is not recommended to share a bed with a child under 2 years old to avoid suffocation.
- The crib should be free of pillows, stuffed animals, duvets, blankets and soft materials used for stuffed animals, as they can block the airway if the baby covers his face with them. All dolls must be out of the crib.
- Maintain a comfortable temperature in the room. Do not place the baby near fans, air conditioners, heating, open windows or other sources of drafts.
- Preferably use a sleeping bag or sleep clothing that keeps you warm, instead of using loose blankets. It is not recommended to overdress.
- Sleep on a firm crib mattress covered with a sheet. You should not sleep on water beds, sofas or soft mattresses.
- Pacifiers may help reduce the risk of sudden death. If the baby is breastfed, they should be used once breastfeeding is well established (between 3 and 4 weeks of age). Exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of sudden death by 36%.
- It is not recommended to sleep in clothing that has drawstrings or ties.
- Do not smoke near the baby.
Additionally, it is important to sleep with the baby in the same room, but in a separate bed during the first 6 months to be closer to the baby and be able to hear any different behavior.