The relationship between sleep environment and SIDS

The relationship between sleep environment and SIDS

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a tragic and sudden death of an infant under the age of 1 that cannot be explained after a thorough investigation. 

It is also known as crib death because it often occurs while the infant is asleep in a crib.

There are several risk factors for SIDS, and the sleep environment is one of them. 

Here are some ways that the sleep environment may increase the risk of SIDS:

1. Placing the baby on their stomach to sleep: Babies who sleep on their stomachs are at higher risk of SIDS than babies who sleep on their backs.

2. Using soft bedding: Soft bedding, such as blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals, can increase the risk of SIDS because they can block the baby’s airway or cause the baby to overheat.

3. Sharing a bed with the baby: Sleeping with the baby on a separate surface, such as a crib or bassinet, is recommended because it reduces the risk of accidental suffocation or strangulation.

4. Smoking around the baby: Exposure to tobacco smoke can increase the risk of SIDS.

To reduce the risk of SIDS, it is important to create a safe sleep environment for your baby.

 This includes placing the baby on their back to sleep, using a firm, flat surface such as a crib or bassinet, and keeping the sleep area free of soft bedding and other items that could obstruct the baby’s airway. 

It is also important to keep the baby’s sleep area smoke-free.