SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the sudden death of an infant under one year of age, which remains unexplained even after complete cast investigation. Such deaths are mostly sleep connected and take place fast.

SIDS is the cause of more deaths than any other childhood maladies. It is found more commonly in babies between 2 to 4 months, mostly less than 6 months. Frequency is more during cold weather and usually at night, between 10 pm to 10 am.

There are many risk factors, which may lead to SIDS. These factors may not cause SIDS by themselves, but taking precautions about these factors can help in reducing the risk of SIDS.

 Recommended precautions:

1. Sleeping on back: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that the baby should be kept on the back while sleeping. If the baby is made to sleep on his stomach, there are more chances of baby rebreathing his exhaled air, which contains harmful CO2; baby may have more pauses in breathing and also, more chances of overheating. All these factors can lead to SIDS. Sleeping the baby on side is also not considered very safe or stable, because the baby can roll over and sleep on his stomach. Baby should be given ‘tummy time’ during day, when someone is present with him.
2. Firm bed: A firm mattress and a plain covering sheet is preferable and soft things like quilts, pillows, comforters are not advisable in an infant’s bed.
3. Studies indicate that if the baby is made to sleep in a bassinet, cot or crib in the same room with mother, there is less risk of SIDS. But the baby sharing the family bed is considered risky from the point of SIDS. Sleeping with a baby on a couch, waterbed etc is not advisable. Soft surfaces can increase chances of breathing problems and overheating.
4. Avoid soft things & loose bedding: Things that could lead to suffocation of child should be kept out of baby’s crib or cot. Bumper pads are not considered as essential, but if used, should be firm (& not like soft pillows) and tied securely to the sides of crib. It is advisable to use sleep sacks or wearable blankets. These can keep the baby warm while reducing the risk of SIDS. If blankets are used, they should be only up to baby’s chest, away from face and should be tucked firmly under the crib mattress.
5. No smoking: Studies indicate that mothers smoking during pregnancy can prove risky for the baby. Also, after the birth, smoking near the baby’s sleeping place could lead to health hazards.
6. Maintain proper temperature: The temperature around baby’s sleeping area should be maintained at a comfortable level. Baby should not feel hot to touch due to overheating or heavy clothing.
7. Pacifier: Giving a clean, plain pacifier to the baby at the sleep time has shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. But a pacifier should not be forced on the baby.
8. Commercial devices: Many devices are marketed t lessen the risk of SIDS by maintaining baby’s sleep positions. But safety of these devises is not properly tested or proved.
9. Occasionally SIDS is observed along with chest or stomach infections, so care should be taken to reduce exposure to infection.
10. The time gap between woman’s pregnancies should be more. Lesser the time gap more is the risk of SIDS in babies. (Teenage pregnancies increase the chances of SIDS)