Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) occurs in babies younger than 1 year of age. Pediatrics and Neonatology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rüya Çolak explained what can be done to protect babies from SIDS and pointed out that mothers should stay away from smoking and alcohol, especially during pregnancy.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), whose cause has not yet been fully explained, is seen in babies younger than 1 year, especially between 2-5 months. While ABDS is seen in 91 out of 100 thousand births in the world, this rate is 168 out of 100 thousand births in Turkey. BHT Clinic Istanbul TEMA Hospital Pediatrics and Neonatology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rüya Çolak explained the duties of families to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Premature birth triggers SIDS
Referring to the conditions that cause ABDS, Çolak said, “It has been shown that drug, cigarette and alcohol use or tobacco exposure during pregnancy is associated with ABDS after the babies are born. If the baby is born prematurely or has a low birth weight, then the risk of OABOS increases. When we look at environmental factors, especially the condition of the floor where the baby sleeps during sleep, the presence of any other soft material on the floor, exposure of the baby to excessive heat, tobacco use at home are situations that increase the risk.”
Breastfeeding reduces risk
Stating that breastfeeding has a protective feature from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as well as from many diseases, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rüya Çolak said, “It is possible to say that breastfeeding reduces the incidence of ABÖS in the baby by 50 percent.”
Put your baby to sleep under these conditions
Explaining what needs to be done to protect babies from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rüya Selçuk said the following:
“The baby should sleep in the same room but in a different bed. It is recommended that the mother and baby sleep in the same room for the first 6 months or even 1 year. However, they should not sleep in the same bed. Because some situations such as the mother sometimes lying on the baby and the baby falling can be seen. It is important that the bed the baby sleeps on is firm. The World Health Organization (WHO), the American Academy of Pediatrics and scientists recommend putting the baby on its back. The baby should be placed on its back until it assumes its own position, and there should be no toys or other soft materials on the bed. It is important to keep the room temperature between 22-26 degrees. The baby should not be covered with anything, and if a cover is used, it should be ensured that it does not rise above the shoulder. We do not recommend swaddling as it makes it difficult for the child to take position. Half swaddling, that is, it can be done without wrapping the legs.”
Pacifier can be preventive
Stating that although pacifier use is not recommended, it can be effective in preventing ABÖS, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rüya Çolak said, “Although we do not recommend pacifier use for the first 3-4 weeks, it can be used from 1 month. It has the feature of reducing ABÖS. We especially recommend giving a pacifier to the baby before putting him to sleep and not giving it back when the pacifier falls asleep after sleeping.”
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