Sudden Unexpected Infant Death
The following independent SIDS risk factors have been consistently identified through numerous scientific studies. These include:
- Prone and side sleep positions. Babies who are placed on their stomachs or sides to sleep are at higher risk of dying of SIDS. Stomach sleeping appears to be a primary risk factor in SIDS or SIDS like deaths.
- Sleeping on a soft surface. Bedding that is not pulled tight, including thick and/or soft blankets, bumper pads, pillows, or stuffed animals may contribute to SIDS or sleep related deaths An infant lying on his stomach may burrow into the blanket and continue to rebreathe old, stale air because it is covering his nose and mouth. Overly soft mattresses are also highly suspect in SIDS occurrence.
- Overheating. Infants who are over bundled or over clothed are at increased risk because their body temperatures are too high.
- Preterm birth and/or low birth weight. Premature and low birth weight babies are often cared for in neo-natal intensive care units while in the prone (stomach) sleeping position. It is suspected that mothers of these infants become so used to this position that they are less likely to place their children on their backs for sleeping after discharge.
- Male gender. Boy babies are more likely to die of SIDS.
- Maternal smoking during pregnancy. A baby’s exposure to secondhand smoke in the home also plays a role in SIDS risk.
- Multiples. Babies who are part of twin, triplet, and other high-order multiple pregnancies are at risk for SIDS death, perhaps due to the commonality of lower birth weights and shorter gestations in these pregnancies.
