SIDS & Accidental Suffocation:
From The SIDS Institute SIDS, an unexplained infant death resulting from an unknown medical abnormality or vulnerability is usually classified a natural death.
Accidental suffocation, a death resulting from full or partial airway obstruction causing death from oxygen deprivation and increased carbon dioxide, is classified as accidental.
In most cases of sleep-related infant death, it is impossible to make a definitive classification of SIDS vs. accidental suffocation. Autopsy findings are similar and death scenes often reveal possible asphyxiating conditions, such as prone sleep or co-bedding, without clear evidence of airway obstruction.
In the United States in the last 20 years there has been a decrease in deaths classified as SIDS and an increase in those classified as accidental suffocation.
Sleep-related deaths have leveled off at about 4,000 each year.
One theory is that most sleep-related deaths are caused from a combination of infant vulnerability and asphyxiating conditions and can be seen as existing on a continuum of highly vulnerable infant/safe environment to normal infant/highly asphyxiating environment.
CAUSES & PRECAUTIONS FOR SIDS & SUIDS
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, approximately 3500 infants die annually in the United States from sleep-related infant deaths, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and sudden unexpected infant death (SUIDS). The AAP recommends a safe sleep environment that can reduce the risk of all sleep-related infant deaths.
The ABC’s of Sleep,
A” is for Alone: Always let the baby sleep alone, never in a bed with another person where there are blankets, pillows, toys or anything that could cause the baby to be smothered. “
B” is for on the baby’s Back: An infant should be placed to sleep on their back, not on their side or stomach. “
C” is for Crib: Always put your child to sleep in a crib with only a firm mattress and tight-fitting sheet.
• Babies sleeping on their back does not increase the risk of choking and aspiration in infants, even in those with gastro esophageal reflux.
• If a baby is a stomach or side sleeper, they are 2-3 times at higher risk for SIDS.
• Maternal smoking during pregnancy increases the baby’s risk of SIDS by three times. Besides sleep position, smoke exposure is the most critical risk factor for SIDS.
• Preterm infants should be placed on their backs as soon as they come home.
• Sitting devices, such as car seats, strollers, swings, infant carriers, and infant slings, are not recommended for routine sleep in the hospital or at home, particularly for young infants.
• You should always place your baby to sleep on their back, but if your baby is comfortable rolling both ways (back to tummy, tummy to back), then you do not have to return your baby to their back.
Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS. The protective effect of breastfeeding increases with exclusivity. However, any breastfeeding is more protective against SIDS than no breastfeeding.