Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death of a baby less than one year old. Diagnosis is confirmed if thethe investigation does not reveal a specific cause of death, it may be classified as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

SIDS is a complex and multifactorial condition, and despite ongoing research, the exact cause remains unknown. 

To confirm a diagnosis of SIDS, an autopsy must be performed, and all other potential causes of death must be ruled out. Only then can we conclude that a child has died of SIDS.

How common is sudden infant death syndrome?

SIDS accounted for the death of 15,000 infants worldwide in 2013. There is no reliable record of SIDS cases in Nigeria.

What are the risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome?

There is no  concrete evidence as to the cause of SIDS, but several risk factors have been recorded. These risk factors are grouped as follows:

1. The demographic factors include:
   • Low socioeconomic status
   • Maternal young age
   • Low maternal education
   • Single marital status
   • Infants who did not live with their fathers
   • Male children are more prone to SIDS.
2. The factors relevant to pregnancy and birth include
   • Inadequate prenatal care
   • Growth retardation in the womb
   • Short intervals between pregnancies
   • History of multiple pregnancies 
   • Premature babies and babies with low birth weight
   • Substance abuse during pregnancy
   • Passive smoking
3. Sleep environment factors include
   • Bed quality 
   • Constant changing of baby’s sleeping position 
   • Use of soft old pillows 
   • Use heavy comforters 
   • Covering the baby’s head with thick blankets
   • High fever of any cause
4. Genetic factors  such polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene
5. Infections
   • Viral respiratory infections 
   • Bacterial infections

There is no warning sign for SIDS. Most babies are healthy when they are put to bed and suddenly die. A lot of care and intentionality is needed on the part of parents and caretakers to avoid any modifiable risk factor actually leading to SIDS.

Causes of sudden infant death syndrome

By its definition, SIDS does not have any particular cause. 

Prevention of sudden infant death syndrome

Till now, there are no precise causes of SIDS; however, several measures have been established to prevent the occurrence of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics has already established protective measures to decrease the incidence of SIDS. These measures are:

1. Lay the baby on their back

It is suggested that the best position for infants is to lay them on their backs in a supine position. Laying a child on their side increases their risk of sudden death, and this is not recommended. Your baby’s risk of SIDS is higher when they sleep on their side or on their stomach.

1. Keep the child warm, not hot

An infant needs warmth not heat. Keeping a child in a poorly ventilated room or covering them with excessive clothing can cause hyperthermia, or excess unregulated body temperature. If you’re worried that your child will be exposed to cold then you can dress them in overalls.

1. Keep the baby on a firm surface 

The baby’s sleeping surface should be preferably hard and firm. Very soft surfaces are a risk factor for suffocation.

1. Stay close to your child 

The baby’s crib should be in the same room as the parent's, at least in the first year of life. Keeping your baby in the same room as you helps reduce the possibility of SIDS by allowing you to intervene when the child faces any stress.

1. Immunize the child

Early and consistent immunization has been associated with a reduction in SIDS.

1. Breastfeed the child

Research shows that babies who are well breastfed show less risk for SUDS. It’s advised that you breastfeed your baby for as long as you can.

1. Avoid smoking and alcohol while pregnant

Coping with losing a child to sudden infant death syndrome 

SIDS is traumatic, to say the least. It hurts, and a lot of parents blame themselves for sometimes becoming depressed. A few of the ways to overcome this period are outlined below:

1. Lean on family for support

Parents who have lost a child to SIDS need encouragement. It is better if you’re open to being comforted by family. It’s usually traumatising to lose a child, and this increases the level of stress and strain on a marriage. It’s worse if there are feelings of guilt or blame involved.

Speak to your spouse and seek solace from each other. This is not the time to close up. It's best not to deal with the stress and hurt alone; cry if you need to, but please do not suffer alone. If you need counselling, that’s valid, too, and you may want to go as a couple to sort through your emotions.

1.  Going for counseling and receiving psychotherapy

For some people, going for counselling or receiving psychotherapy may be the way to heal from the loss of an infant. Social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors all form part of the help team that can offer this help.

1. Let yourself heal

As a parent recovering from the trauma of SIDS, give yourself time to heal and not get stuck blaming yourself, but allow yourself to grieve. Forgiving yourself is also very essential.

Conclusion

Sudden infant death syndrome remains a source of huge concern for parents. The causes are not known, so preventive measures are at best a trail of faith. Evidence suggests that putting children to sleep as safely as possible and ensuring they sleep soundly could help. This includes laying the infants on their backs, keeping them warm and away from beddings that can choke them to death.