A newborn baby entering the world is a life-changing event that brings joy but also concern for the wellbeing of the child. One of the most significant worries for new parents is the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
This is an unexplained phenomenon where babies die during sleep without any apparent reason. Although this syndrome is rare, it can still lead to worrying times for new parents.
Understanding SIDS and knowing when parents can stop worrying about it is crucial for peace of mind. So how many children are affected by SIDS, what are its primary causes, why does the risk decrease at six months, and at what age does SIDS no longer become a concern?
Before considering the number of deaths attributed to SIDS, it’s worth noting that SIDS is relatively rare when compared to other causes of infant mortality. The SIDS rate reached its peak in 1990 when 130.3 deaths per 100,000 births were recorded.
However, by 2019, the number of deaths had dropped, and by 2020, it was 38.4 deaths per 100,000 live births. While one case of SIDS is one too many, these statistics indicate that progress is being made in reducing the incidence of this syndrome.
SIDS remains a devastating phenomenon that has affected families worldwide. While the exact number of SIDS cases can vary from year to year, it is essential to note that substantial progress has been made, and the downward trend in deaths continues in 2023.
The exact cause of SIDS remains elusive despite the amount of research that has been conducted. However, several risk factors have been identified that can increase the likelihood of SIDS occurring.
The most critical risk factor associated with SIDS is placing an infant to sleep on their stomach or side. A “Back to Sleep” campaign, launched in some countries back in the 1990s, has been instrumental in reducing SIDS cases by encouraging parents to place their babies on their backs to sleep.
An unsafe sleep environment can also contribute to SIDS. This includes soft bedding, loose blankets, stuffed animals, and overheating. Creating a safe sleep space with a firm, flat mattress with no loose bedding is essential in reducing SIDS cases.
Mothers who smoke during pregnancy or expose their infants to second-hand smoke are more likely to have babies at higher risk of dying from SIDS.
Babies born prematurely or with a low birth weight are also at an increased risk of SIDS. Young maternal age, inadequate prenatal care, and a lack of prenatal education have also been associated with a higher risk of SIDS occurrences.
The risk of SIDS significantly decreases as a baby reaches the age of six months. By six months of age, babies achieve significant developmental milestones. They gain better head control, are more physically active, and are more likely to roll over independently.
These developmental advancements reduce the risk of SIDS because babies can change their sleeping position and move their heads if needed on their own, should they experience any discomfort.
As babies grow, their vulnerability to SIDS decreases. Their brains and central nervous systems mature, making them more capable of responding to changes in their environment, such as repositioning themselves if they encounter difficulty breathing.
Infants’ sleep patterns also change as they grow. They tend to spend more time in light sleep and less time in deep sleep, which may make them more responsive to any potential breathing issues.
Furthermore, parents become more experienced and knowledgeable about safe sleep practices. As their baby grows, they are more likely to follow recommendations such as placing a baby on their back and creating a safe sleep environment for their child.
While the risk of SIDS significantly decreases after six months of age, it is not entirely eliminated until the baby reaches their first birthday.
However, parents can still practice safe baby sleep throughout the first year of life and beyond, including placing a baby on their back to sleep, maintaining a safe sleep environment, and avoiding exposure to smoke.
This can be continued until an infant has full control over their sleeping position and the strength to remove loose covers that can pose a suffocation risk to infants.