5/28/98

 

SIDS Help and Information is Available

 

One of the most devastating events for any parent to face is the death of a child.  While we may not understand why a child dies, we usually know how the death occurred--often the result of illness or injury.  But for the family of a child whose death has been attributed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), even the “how” is unknown.

 

SIDS, often called “crib death”, is the term applied to the sudden, unexpected death of an apparently healthy child.  Even after studying the case history, the circumstances of the death itself, and performing an autopsy, the SIDS death remains unexplained.  In Connecticut, 35 to 40 babies dies from SIDS each year; nationally, 4000 to 7000 babies die annually.

 

Unfortunately, SIDS cannot be predicted.  It happens quickly and quietly, usually while the baby is sleeping.  It is the major cause of death in babies one month to one year old.  Most SIDS deaths occur when a baby is between one and four months of age; it is more common in boys than in girls, and more likely to occur during the fall, winter, and early spring months.  SIDS can occur in any population, regardless of income or education.  Well-nourished babies who are well cared for and in apparent good health comprise the large majority of SIDS cases.  It is important that everyone concerned with a victim of SIDS understand that no one is at fault.  Parents, relatives, and child-care providers must try not to blame themselves or others when a SIDS death occurs.

 

As yet, no one knows what causes SIDS.  There is no evidence indicating that SIDS is either hereditary or contagious.  Because there is no known cause, there are no tests in existence that would allow doctors to identify children at risk, and there is no treatment.  Although there are no proven measures that parents can employ to prevent SIDS, it is believed some steps can be taken to make infants safer.  These include the following:

 

·                    Make sure the baby sleeps on his or her back.  If the baby has a health problem that requires the child to sleep in a side position, the lower area should be forward to stop him or her from rolling onto the stomach.

·                    Avoid using fluffy blankets or comforters under the baby.  Do not place stuffed toys or pillows in the crib when the child is very young, and be sure the baby sleeps on a firm mattress.

·                    Keep the temperature in the baby’s room at a point that feels comfortable to you.  Babies need to be kept warm, but not too warm.

·                    Create a smoke-free zone around the baby; infants exposed to smoke have an increased risk of SIDS.

·                    Early and regular prenatal care during pregnancy can reduce the risk of SIDS later.

·                    Always call the doctor if the infant seems to be ill, and make sure the baby receives all required shots on schedule.

 

A good source of information about SIDS is the Connecticut SIDS Center, Inc., an affiliate of the SIDS Alliance which receives funding from the State Department of Public Health.  In addition to educating the public and training professionals involved with SIDS, the Center also provides in-home grief counseling to families who have lost a child to SIDS.  For further information on available resources, contact the Connecticut SIDS Center at (800) 370-SIDS.  Brochures about SIDS are also available at the Central Connecticut Health District , 505 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, phone 721-2822.