Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. If you're worried that your baby might suddenly stop breathing during the night, know that the chances of your child actually succumbing to sudden infant death syndrome SIDS — which is defined as the sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant — are very, very small.
Know too that there are environmental factors associated with an increased risk of SIDS like tummy sleeping and loose bedding that can be easily avoided. Here's more on SIDS and what you can do about it. SIDS stands for sudden infant death syndrome and is the sudden, unexpected death of a baby under 1.
SIDS is one of the leading causes of death for infants in their first year of life. The majority of cases are tied to sleep. SIDS is up to It makes a baby more likely to rebreathe her own exhaled air, which can lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide and lower oxygen levels. That, in turn, can potentially result in suffocation. Stomach sleepers are also more likely to overheat, experience sudden drops in blood pressure and lose the ability to control their heart rates — all factors that can raise SIDS risk.
What's the Right Temperature for Baby? What if your little one is rolling onto her tummy mid-snooze? Babies who have mastered rolling over and back are at much lower risk for SIDS, experts say. Most used to think healthy babies were affected by SIDS at random. But now researchers have a different theory.
SIDS babies might have an underlying problem that puts them at risk for sudden death — even though they might seem perfectly healthy. A hidden heart defect or a faulty gene that manages breathing or heart rate could also play a role. If she were to overheat or re-breathe trapped air, for instance, she might be less likely to wake up and cry or move into a position that would help her breathe better.
SIDS is scary to think about, and of course, you want to take every possible precaution to protect your baby. Experts do know placing a baby to sleep on their back reduces the risk, and exposing a baby to cigarette smoke or allowing them to overheat increases the risk.
It's also known there's an association between sleeping with your baby on a bed, sofa or chair co-sleeping and SIDS. SIDS is rare, so do not let worrying about it stop you enjoying your baby's first few months. Place your baby on their back to sleep from the very beginning for both day and night sleeps. This will reduce the risk of cot death. It's not as safe for babies to sleep on their side or tummy as on their back. Healthy babies placed on their backs are not more likely to choke.
Once your baby is old enough to roll over, there's no need to worry if they turn onto their tummy or side while sleeping. Babies whose heads are covered with bedding are at an increased risk of SIDS. To prevent your baby wriggling down under the covers, place them in the "feet to foot" position. This means their feet are at the end of the crib, cot or moses basket.
Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS. Babies can overheat because of too much bedding or clothing, or because the room is too hot. The safest place for your baby to sleep for the first 6 months is in a cot in the same room as you. It's especially important not to share a bed with your baby if you or your partner:.
As well as a higher risk of SIDS, there's also a risk you might roll over in your sleep and suffocate your baby. Your baby could also get caught between the wall and the bed, or roll out of an adult bed and be injured.
It's lovely to have your baby with you for a cuddle or a feed, but sleeping with your baby on a sofa or armchair is linked to a higher risk of SIDS. It's safest to put your baby back in their cot before you go to sleep. Babies exposed to cigarette smoke before and after birth are at an increased risk of SIDS.
How to Get Your Newborn to Sleep. September 23, Christina Alario. I had never heard of carbon dioxide re-breathing. That was really interesting to learn. It makes sense and really sets in why loungers should not be used for sleep!
Very informative learned a lot I leaned that aids can occur also after 12 months and to keep the crib clear as well not only for infants. To make sure to remove all the plush toys and loose blankets. I had no idea about the Carson dioxide rebreathing. The piece about 4 months being the time that SIDS risk decreases, but also when unsafe sleep practices increase is very interesting.
Thanks for sharing — also reassuring that we are doing everything we should be with my 2. What an informative post! Thanks for all the insight. Continue browsing here. Variant Title has been added to your shopping cart.
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