As a parent, the thought of losing a child is unbearable. Unfortunately, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a real threat that can strike without warning. Although it may not be a topic that you want to spend much time thinking about as a parent, it's important to be informed and take proactive measures to protect against it. So, if you're a new parent or are expecting a little one soon, read on for research-proven ways to protect your baby from SIDS and giving you the information you need to make informed decisions.
The Importance of Sleep Position: From Belly to Back
A few decades ago, parents were advised to place their babies on their belly to sleep. The thought process was that this would reduce the risk of choking if they were sick during the night. However, as research into SIDS progressed, it became clear that this sleep position was not the safest, and studies consistently showed that placing babies on their belly to sleep was associated with an increased risk of SIDS. On top of this, back sleeping was shown to actually reduce the risk of choking on vomit. When a baby is placed on their back to sleep, gravity works in their favor, helping to keep their airways clear. On top of this, the back sleeping position triggers a protective reflex mechanism that helps to prevent choking. The human body has a natural tendency to protect the airways, and when a baby is sleeping on their back, their tongue and other soft tissues are less likely to block the airway. This reduces the risk of choking and makes it easier for the baby to breathe. Putting a baby face down disrupts this process.
When Did The Advice Change?
It wasn't until the 1990s that the advice began to change, with health authorities in the UK and US advising parents to place their babies on their back to sleep instead. The impact of this change was significant. In the UK, for example, the rate of SIDS dropped by more than 60% within a few years of the advice being introduced. Similar reductions were seen in other countries, demonstrating the importance of sleep position in preventing SIDS. Today, the advice remains the same: place your baby on their back to sleep. This position has been shown to reduce the risk of SID by up to 50%, and it is recommended by health authorities around the world. Well meaning relatives might tell you to ignore this and put baby on their belly as this is what they were told and their babies were fine. But survivors bias is real, just because they didn't personally lose children to SIDS with this advice, others did. So follow the up to date advice based on research. When placing your baby on their back, be sure to use a firm, flat sleep surface and keep their head uncovered.
About Your Baby's Bed
The American Academy of Paediatrics and NHS recommends that parents avoid using pillows, comforters, cot bumpers or other soft items in the crib, as these can increase the risk of suffocation. In addition, they can also pose a hazard if your baby gets tangled up in them during sleep causing strangulation or overheating. If you need to use a blanket, it is best to use a lightweight, breathable blanket that is tucked in around the edges of the crib and cannot cover your baby's face. Baby sleep sacks are great too, these keep baby at the right temperature without the risk of their face becoming covered, I always used the Tommee Tippee Grobags. While a little more expensive they've never failed in any safety testing and you can get different togs for different seasons. They start at 0-3 months and go all the way up to 3 years if you still want to use them as your toddler gets bigger.
Use a Dummy to Prevent SIDS
Using a dummy has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. The exact mechanism behind this is not fully understood, but it is thought that the sucking motion can help to regulate your baby's breathing during sleep. Dummies can be a bit of a pain as you will spend what feels like half the night putting them back into your baby's mouth. Never be tempted to use dummy clips or any kind of unsafe attachment as again these can be choking or strangulation hazards. Buy glow in the dark dummies as that way you can quickly find them in the cot in the night, and have spares on hand!
Breathing Monitors for Peace of Mind
While there are many ways to reduce the risk of SIDS, sometimes there is no cause found and it can happen spontaneously. In these cases, breathing monitors such as the Snuza Hero or Babysense can give parents peace of mind. I personally used both of these, and found them both to be excellent. We only ever had a couple of false alarms, and the reassurance they gave me (particularly in those anxiety ridden first weeks as a new mum) made them so worth it for me. They work by detecting any changes in your baby's breathing patterns, and an alarm sounds if there's an issue.
As a new parent, you might feel tempted to bring your baby into bed with you, especially if you're feeling sleep-deprived and want to be close to your little one. However, bed-sharing, or sleeping in the same bed as your baby, can be a risk factor SIDS. The reasons for this include there being a greater chance of the baby becoming accidentally suffocated or asphyxiate, a parent rolling over onto the baby during the night, or bedding and pillows may become entangled around the baby, making it difficult for them to breathe.That being said, it's important to note that there are ways to reduce the risks associated with bed-sharing. For example, you can make sure that your bed is free from pillows, blankets, and soft objects. Make sure that the baby is placed on their back to sleep and avoid sleeping with your baby if you have been drinking alcohol or using certain medications, as these can impair your ability to respond to the baby's needs. Wearing thick pyjamas yourself instead of a blanket, and sleeping in a protective 'c' shape around your baby can make co-sleeping safer.
No Guarantees, but Guidelines to Follow
It is important to note that there is no guaranteed way to prevent SIDS, and it can happen spontaneously. However, by following the guidelines you can reduce the risk and give yourself peace of mind.
