Recommendations for the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome – how to prevent “crib death” (SIDS)
It is estimated that sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS for short, is the cause of 9% of infant deaths. The syndrome is also called ” crib death”, and in 2022 it appeared as a cause of death in 12 cases.
SIDS occurs during the entire period of infancy, but the most frequent cases of death are recorded between the ages of 2 and 4 months. It occurs more often in boys during the winter months.
Although the sudden death in sleep of a completely orderly and healthy infant still cannot be explained, there are observations that can be applied as recommendations for prevention, and it should be noted that the number of deaths from SIDS has been significantly reduced in the last 30 years or so.
Recommendations on the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome were made based on numerous epidemiological studies.
*Level A recommendation (proven high level of effectiveness):
Sleeping in the supine position, on the back (not on the side, not on the stomach!)
Sleeping on a hard surface
Sleeping in a room with parents, but in your own crib
No soft objects and with always tight bedding
Pregnant women should have adequate and recommended prenatal care
Avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy and after childbirth
Avoiding alcoholic beverages and prohibited drugs during pregnancy and after childbirth
Breastfeeding is recommended
The use of a dummy pacifier when putting to sleep comes into consideration
Avoid overheating the room where you sleep
The use of cardiorespiratory monitors as a strategic measure to reduce the risk of SIDS is not recommended
For all questions about the recommended ways of caring for an infant, you can contact the medical team of the Salvea Polyclinic, including the author of this text, Prof. Milivoj Jovančević, Ph.D.
