How a baby sleeps helps cut risk of SIDS

By Injil Abu Bakar

BOSTON, Massachusetts (JP): Having a new baby truly is a blessing for a family, but the new mother must be aware that the sleeping position of the baby may put him or her at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under one year of age. SIDS, also known as crib death, kills nearly 5,000 babies in the United States every year.

SIDS is the major cause of death in babies between one month and one year of age. Most incidents of SIDS occur when a baby is between one and four months old and it attacks more boys than girls.

The death is sudden and unpredictable; in most cases, the baby seems healthy.

After 30 years of research, scientists still cannot find one definite cause or causes for SIDS. There is no way of predicting or preventing SIDS. But, research has identified some things that can help reduce the risk of SIDS.

One of the most important things you can do to help reduce the risk is to put your healthy baby to sleep on their back. Do this when your baby is being put down for a nap or to bed for the night.

This is new. You, mother, were told and, if you have other children, you may have been told that babies should sleep on their tummies.

Now, doctors and nurses believe that fewer babies will die of SIDS if most infants sleep on their backs.

While most babies should sleep on their backs, a few of them may have health conditions that might require them to sleep on their tummies. If your baby was born with a birth defect, often throws up after eating, or has a breathing, lung or heart problem, be sure to talk to a doctor or nurse about an appropriate sleeping position.

Some mothers worry that babies who sleep on their backs may choke, spit-up or vomit during sleep. But there is no evidence that sleeping on the back causes choking. Millions of babies around the world now sleep on their backs and doctors have not found an increase in choking or other problems.

Some babies at first don't like sleeping on their backs, but most get used to it and this is the best sleeping position for your baby. Although back sleeping is the best position, your baby can be placed on his or her side.

The side position does not provide as much protection against SIDS but it is much better than placing your baby on his or her tummy.

Your baby can be placed on his or her stomach when awake. Some "tummy time" during waking hours is good for your baby. Do consult your doctor or nurse if you have questions about your baby's sleeping position.

These are things you can do to help reduce the risk of SIDS:

* Bedding. Make sure that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress or other firm surface. Don't use fluffy blankets or comforters under the baby. Don't let the baby sleep on a waterbed, sheepskin, a pillow, or other soft materials.

When your baby is very young, don't place soft stuffed toys or pillows in the crib with him or her. Some babies have been smothered with these soft materials in the crib.

* Temperature. Babies should be kept warm, but they should not be allowed to get too warm. Maintain the temperature in your baby's room so that it feels comfortable to you.

* Smoke-free. Create a smoke-free zone around your baby. No one should smoke around your baby. Babies and young children exposed to smoke have more colds and other disease, as well as an increased risk of SIDS.

* Doctor or clinic visits. If your baby seems sick, call your doctor or clinic right away. Make sure your baby receives his or her shots on schedule.

* Prenatal care. Early and regular prenatal care can also help reduce the risk of SIDS. The risk of SIDS is higher for babies whose mothers smoked during pregnancy. For your baby's well being, you should not use alcohol or drugs during pregnancy unless prescribed by a doctor.

* Breast-feeding. If possible, you should consider breast-feeding your baby. Breast milk helps to keep your baby healthy.

Enjoy your baby ! Remember, most babies are born healthy and most stay that way. Don't let the fear of SIDS spoil your joy and enjoyment of having a new baby.

The writer is an Indonesian obstetrician currently living in the United States.