Common Age Of SIDS
The birth of a child comes as a celebratory mile stone but none the less a huge responsibility.
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Post-natal care is a critical necessity if you are to bear a healthy baby free from complications.
The first months especially are dire because that is when your child is prone to many risks, the lead being SIDS.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome refers to the unexpected passing of a child especially those under the age of 1.
It occurs without prior warning or alert.
The SIDS term can be used interchangeably with crib death because most incidents usually occur when baby is asleep.
Studies prove that an average of 4600 babies die unexpectedly in the US every year.
This number is an increase from the second most recent study by a margin of 1500.
Babies under 6 months are at highest risk with the peak ranging between 2-4 months.
According to experts, once your baby safely gets past the ½ year mark, the overall risk percentage generally drops.
What then makes infants susceptible to SIDS?
Here are the leading causes as discovered by pediatricians
Brain malfunctions-
The brain is a vital organ that controls most if not all human responses.
Babies born with brain problems tend to develop breathing difficulties and sleep arousal- abrupt waking up- which compromise on their life span.
Genetic differences
Some genes coupled with environmental stressors can increase the SID risk factor immensely.
It is also proven that male genders are more vulnerable to SIDS deaths than girls.
Heart complications
An unhealthy heart slows down vital processes.
Blood circulation issues are likely to crop up and cause harm.
Infections
Respiratory infections in particular do count for a bigger portion of deaths.
They are provoked during cold winter seasons in turn affecting the airway passage. Parents are advised to be extra keen in the chilly periods.
Sadly, the above causes are often discovered after the child passes.
It is quite difficult to detect them unless your child is born with conspicuous traits that physicians can diagnose early.
Half the time, mortality sources are highlighted when examining the body after death or when reviewing the baby’s symptoms/ before demise.
Although nearly impossible to assuredly protect your baby from SIDS, there are avoidable risk factors that guardians impose on their little ones.
For instance;
Soft surfaces
Pediatricians strongly advise against foam beddings at the early stages as it is the leading cause of sleep- related deaths.
Very soft beddings smother your child while asleep causing suffocation.
Crib bumper additions, stuffed toys, comforters, spongy mattresses and pillows can wedge your child n between surfaces to cause strangling.
Always consult with your baby’s health providers for the right time to introduce soft sleeping companions.
Face down sleeping positions
Infants below the age of 6 months must be put to sleep on their backs.
Belly or side positions block their respiratory process and cause re-breathing.
This is where a baby inhales the carbon dioxide gas they exhale.
When CO2 levels increase to a level that outmatches oxygen circulation, it leads to suffocation.
Not breast feeding
Breast milk offers the best immunity especially within the 1st year or at the very least 6 months.
Early substitution for formulas or other liquids ultimately weakens your baby’s defense system giving more room for SIDS.
Smoking while pregnant
Cigar fumes compromise your baby’s health and safety.
Whether small or toxic amounts, the nicotine smoke results in delivery of an undernourished infant susceptible to all sorts of dangers.
Late or no pre-natal care
Negligence of expert advice and regular will not end well.
The same extends to unhealthy eating patterns that do not feed your baby with the right developmental nutrients.
Lack of exercise could also have severe repercussions.
Alcohol and drug intake
Liquor and substance abuse bears you a sickly baby with internal infections.
Low birth weight or premature births
This can easily arise from ignorance towards pre-natal care or simply being a young mom.
Premature babies can survive and blossom well under the appropriate treatment however when there is slow inconsistent weight gain your child may be at risk.
Lack of immunization
The WHO recommends for child immunization so as to counteract common illnesses and diseases.
Lack thereof pens up your child to immune disorders.
Over bundling
This is silly mistake most new parents make.
The logic behind it is that newborns need to be placed in warm environments similar to that of the mother’s womb.
While a part of it is true, overheating is not the way to go about it.
You can always tell abnormal temperatures by feeling your baby hence always try to mitigate the above occurrence.
A common myth that back positions cause young ones to spit and choke on their own vomit lead to an intervention campaign by the American Academy of Pediatrics known as the “Back to Sleep” campaign.
It advocates for ideal sleep environments and back postures for baby’s first year.
Since its launch SIDS rates have dropped by over 50 %.
Once the young one is able to roll over on its own, then it is presumed that they are able to safely handle new sleep positions.
Co –sleeping
While health care providers do recommend sharing the same room, sleeping in the same bed is cautioned against.
The latter may result in strangulation especially if the guardians are exhausted or under the influence of illegal substances.
Useful Tips:
To keep your baby vibrant, strong and set up for life longevity here are a number of safety precautions:
Stick to firm padding during sleep hours. Cover your baby with light weight blankets strictly up to the shoulders. Avoid the head.
Regularly visit clinics for immunization.
Exclusively breast feed preferably all through the first year.
Refrain from sharing sleeping surfaces with baby. In case you did not know, infants are not very silent sleepers, so you should be able to pick up on any abnormalities as they nap.
Dress baby only up to room temperature
Place cribs and bassinets far from hazardous areas.
Avoid smoking and drinking during expectancy.
Consider using a pacifier when putting baby to sleep. It may help prevent SIDS.
Conclusion
The key is to work closely with a baby professional all through your pregnancy term and even after.
Be up to date with checkups and health appointments.
Lastly, to the new guardians, take it easy.
Avoid unnecessary panic or anxiety; with the above precautions your baby should be just fine.