For parents of new babies, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one of those things that keeps them up at night worrying about their babies breathing. Last fall the American Academy of Pediatrics released some new guidelines that were confusing and even controversial. So here are the facts that might help.
What is SIDS?
SIDS is defined as the sudden unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant who is under 1 year old.
What is the risk of SIDS an when is it most likely to occur?
The incidence of SIDS is now .62/1000 live births. The occurrence of SIDS is rare during the first month of life. Most deaths due to SIDS occur between 2 and 3 months of age, and the rate is highest among African American and Native American/Alaska Native babies, although it can occur in families of all races and backgrounds.
commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS: (Although various devices have been developed to maintain sleep position
or reduce the risk of re-breathing, none have been tested sufficiently to show efficacy or safety)
Bed sharing-NO but Roomsharing-YES.
The AAP recommends a separate but proximate sleeping environment. Bed sharing is not recommended during sleep but room sharing is.
Infants may be brought into bed for nursing or comforting, but should be returned to their own crib or bassinet when the parent is ready to return to sleep. There is growing evidence that room sharing (infant sleeping in a crib
in parent's bedroom) is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.
Pacifer Use-YES
The AAP recommends offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime: The pacifier should be used when placing infant down for sleep and not be reinserted once the infant falls asleep. Research now indicates an association between pacifier use and a reduced risk of SIDS. Use of pacifiers at nap time and bedtime is now recommended throughout the first year of life.
The Controversy:
Though some research has shown that pacifiers can interfere with breastfeeding or cause dental problems later in life, the AAP said that evidence is "not compelling enough." That said, mothers who are breastfeeding their infants should wait until their infants are at least 1 month old before giving their babies pacifiers in order to establish breastfeeding. If an infant refuses the pacifier, it should not be forced. But breastfeeding advocates have said that the evidence between pacifier use and a reduced risk of SIDS is also not compelling enough.
Here’s my Simply Parenting recommendation for parents:
· Read all these guidelines thoroughly.
· Discuss any concerns with your pediatrician,
· Don’t smoke (during or after the pregnancy)
· Put your infant under 6 months to sleep on his or her back.
· Use firm bedding and avoid stuffed animals and pillows in the crib.
· Your infant should be lightly clothed for sleep and not overheated.
· Keep your infant in your room next to your bed.
· Consider a pacifier.
About the Author
Dr. Mary Ann LoFrumento, MD, F.A.A.P., pediatrician, mother and author, has more than 20 years experience answering parents' questions about how to raise their children. She recently launched Simply Parenting, a book and DVD series designed to end parents' anxiety and insecurity and bring parenting back to basics.
