Understanding and Preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Professor Chih-Chien Wang, Department of Pediatrics, Tri-Service General Hospital（Taiwan）

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is defined as the sudden death of an infant under one year of age that unexplained even after a thorough post-mortem examination, review of the infant’s medical history, and investigation of the scene. Historically, the medical community lacked understanding of the mechanisms behind SIDS until epidemiological studies in the Netherlands during the 1980s identified prone sleeping (sleeping on the stomach) as a significant risk factor. Although the exact cause linking prone sleeping to SIDS remains unclear, it is associated with an increased risk of suffocation. Subsequent studies in countries like New Zealand and Australia also confirmed the dangers of prone sleeping, leading to public health campaigns against it starting in 1991. These campaigns to a sharp decline in SIDS rates in those regions. The United States followed suit in 1992 with similar recommendations and launched the “Back to Sleep” campaign in 1994, resulting in a significant reduction in SIDS cases.

To further enhance infant safety, the CuboAi Smart Baby Monitor offers advanced “Covered-Face & Rollover Detection” features. If a baby’s face is accidentally covered by an object or if the baby rolls over and cannot sleep on their back properly, the smart monitor will promptly alert parents, allowing them to respond immediately. 

Additionally, even when a baby is sleeping on their back, potential risks such as milk regurgitation or other factors that might affect normal breathing can be monitored with CuboAi Sleep Sensor Pad. This accessory uses micro-motion breathing detection to continuously monitor the baby’s movements in bed, providing an added layer of protection.

Current research indicates several risk factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) beyond prone sleeping, including:

1. Maternal Factors: These include being a teenager, unmarried, living in poverty, not receiving prenatal care or adequate medical attention, low pre-pregnancy weight, short intervals between pregnancies, illnesses during pregnancy, a history of miscarriage, smoking, and drug use.
2. Premature Birth: Premature infants are 3 to 4 times more likely to experience SIDS compared to full-term infants.
3. Low Birth Weight: Newborns with low birth weight are at higher risk.

Incidence Rate of SIDS

SIDS occurs globally, affecting all races and regions, with an incidence rate of approximately 1 to 3 per 1,000 live births. The average age of occurrence is around three months, with most cases occurring between two and four months of age. Statistics show that 90% of SIDS cases happen before six months of age. Male infants are more frequently affected, and most incidents occur during sleep, typically between midnight and early morning. SIDS is more common in the fall, winter, and early spring seasons.

How to Prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

SIDS risk factors include sleeping position, prematurity, low birth weight, and maternal smoking or drug use during pregnancy. Fortunately, SIDS can be prevented by eliminating potential causes of airway obstruction. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following measures to prevent SIDS:       

1. Back Sleeping: Infants under one year should always sleep on their backs, especially preterm infants.
2. Firm Mattress: Use a firm mattress and avoid soft bedding. Keep the crib clear of soft objects, including pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys.
3. Separate Sleep Surface: Infants should sleep in the same room as parents but on a separate sleep surface. Avoid bed-sharing with parents or siblings, including twins and multiples.
4. Avoid Potential Choking Hazards: Do not place items like amulets or necklaces around the infant’s neck. Avoid bottle-feeding while the infant is lying flat without supervision.
5. Stay Alert: Mothers should stay alert and avoid falling asleep while breastfeeding or holding their baby.
6. Avoid Harmful Substances: Refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, and using illegal drugs during pregnancy and after birth.
7. Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is recommended. After three to four weeks of age, pacifiers can be used during sleep but should not be hung around the infant’s neck or attached to clothing.
8. Avoid Overheating: Prevent overheating by avoiding excessive clothing or swaddling. Ensure proper ventilation if air conditioning is not available.

The CuboAi Smart Baby Monitor provides additional protection with its temperature and humidity detection features. When the room temperature or humidity levels become  abnormal, the CuboAi app sends real-time alerts to parents, ensuring the baby grows up in a comfortable and healthy environment.

Tips for Safe Sleep

Every baby is precious to their parents, and ensuring their healthy and safe growth is a universal goal. Pediatricians recommend parents adhere to the “Five Tips for Safe Sleep”:

1. No Prone Sleeping: Always place the baby on their back to sleep.
2. No Pillows: Avoid using pillows in the crib.
3. No Bed-Sharing: Do not share a bed with the baby.
4. Avoid Overheating: Ensure the baby is not overheated while sleeping.
5. Firm Sleeping Surface: Use a firm mattress without soft bedding.

Following these tips helps prevent SIDS and suffocation risks. Additionally, promoting the back-sleeping position and educating caregivers such as nannies and parents is essential. Healthcare providers should also inform families about these safety practices after the baby’s birth.

Ensuring a safe sleep environment for your baby is crucial, and the CuboAi Smart Baby Monitor can assist in this effort. With advanced features like covered face detection and temperature monitoring, CuboAi provides peace of mind, allowing parents to respond quickly to potential hazards and create a safe sleeping environment for their little ones.

Additional Considerations and Tips

Parents who experience the loss of an infant due to SIDS often struggle with guilt and self-blame, making psychological and emotional support crucial. SIDS can also occur in postnatal care homes, daycare centers, or under the care of nannies and even in medical facilities, often leaving parents and caregivers unprepared and resulting in legal disputes and emotional trauma. This can cause significant worry among parents of infants about the possibility of a similar tragedy occurring.

To address these concerns, it is vital for governments and organizations to engage in active prevention and education efforts. Organizations like the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics have emphasized the importance of safe sleep practices and environments in preventing SIDS.

In recent years, advancements in parenting technology have provided additional support for infant care. Products such as baby monitors and breathing detection devices can effectively assist in infant care and help alleviate the stress of parenting. For instance, the CuboAi Smart Baby Monitor offers features like covered face detection and temperature monitoring, providing parents with real-time alerts and peace of mind. These technologies can be valuable tools for parents to ensure their baby’s safety and well-being, complementing traditional safety practices.

By promoting awareness and utilizing the latest technology, parents can better protect their infants and reduce the risk of SIDS, ensuring a safer and more reassuring environment for their little ones.We’re a studio in Berlin with an international practice in architecture, urban planning and interior design. We believe in sharing knowledge and promoting dialogue to increase the creative potential of collaboration