Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
(SIDS)

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a sudden and unexplainable death in infants. It is one of the leading causes of death of infants in their first year of life.  There are 3,000 to 5,000 SIDS deaths nationally each year.  Numerous studies and extensive research are being conducted, yet the cause is unknown. Children appear to be healthy other than normal colds and death occurs so fast in their sleep that there is no sign of pain and suffering. SIDS is not contagious, hereditary, immunizations, or vomiting.

Due to the fact that SIDS is unpredictable, parents who are victims of SIDS go through immeasurable challenges wrapped in fear and anger. Infinite questions are asked and everyone wants an answer and/ or someone/something to blame.  The pain is unbearable that friends become hesitant to be even around the victim and their families. Different emotions unfold, anger, anxiety, guilt, and possible depression because of this devastating tragedy. No one knows how it really feels unless you are a victim of this culprit.

If siblings are involved, please watch for the following signs:
  • Mourning is different from their parents

  • Feelings are expressed through actions and the possibility of negative actions.

  • Non verbal communications such as sadness, less talkative, and emotional and social regression.

  • Sickness might develop, seek medical advise if noted

  • May develop extreme fears, anger, guilt, and anxiety

All of these factors are normal and with better understanding, medical attention, and tender loving care, this to shall pass. Time will tell and heal all wounds. There is no rush.

The following suggestions are offered to reduce the risk of SIDS

  • Place your baby ON THEIR BACK on a firm mattress to sleep with no extra pillows, blankets, and toys.
  • Check your baby to make sure that she is not too warm or cold while sleeping.
  • Do not smoke, drink, or use drugs while pregnant and do not expose your baby to secondhand smoke. Researchers speculate that smoking might affect the central nervous system, starting prenatal and continuing after birth, which could place the baby at increased risk.
  • When pregnant, seek continuous prenatal care and  eat a well-balanced diet
  • Regular baby wellness checkups.
  • Breastfeed, if possible. Researchers think that breast milk may help protect babies from infections that increase the risk of SIDS.
  • If your baby has GERD, be sure to follow your doctor's guidelines on feeding and sleep positions.
  • Put your baby to sleep with a pacifier during the first year of life. If your baby rejects the pacifier, don't force it. Pacifiers have been linked with lower risk of SIDS. If you're breastfeeding, try to wait until after the baby is 1 month old so that breastfeeding can be established.
  • Do not let the baby sleep in bed with you. This may increase the incidence of SIDS.
  • Proper home ventilation at home such as the use of fans for sufficient air circulation.