Causes of sudden death in babies

Tuesday 04,
APRIL
2017
Causes of sudden death in babies

How many times have you checked if your baby is breathing while he sleeps? The sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is one of the main concerns of all parents when they have a baby. Most cases occur in the first 6 months and affect both breastfed babies and those who are fed with artificial milk. The causes of sudden death in babies are still unknown, but parents can follow some recommendations that can help prevent it.

¿What is the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

The sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is, as it names indicates, the sudden and unexpected death of a baby under age one apparently healthy. Nearly 80% of deaths occur between the first and sixth month and affect particularly boys.

Causes of sudden death in babies

The causes of sudden death in babies are still unknown, but there exist some groups of infants who present a larger risk of suffering it such as: boys, premature babies, underweight born babies, those who had a sibling who suffered it, and babies under 4 months.

Causes of sudden death in infants 1

How to prevent sudden death in babies

In order to prevent sudden death in babies, parents shall follow these instructions:

  • Put the baby on their back to sleep.
  • Avoid placing pillows in the crib and make sure the sheets are tight so the baby does not choke.
  • Avoid tobacco and smoky environments during pregnancy and after birth.
  • Do not use alcohol or drugs during pregnancy.
  • Sleep on a firm mattress.
  • Avoid hypothermia and hyperthermia. It is important to keep a comfortable temperature in the bedroom, avoiding excess heat or cold and not covering the baby too much.
  • Use a pacifier during naps or nighttime. 
  • Avoid head coverings while the baby sleeps.
  • Let babies sleep in the same bedroom as parents but not in the same bed.

The sudden infant death syndrome represents the most common cause of death in under age babies. The causes of sudden death in babies are still unknown and a treatment to avoid it has not been determined.

Liip Smart Monitor helps you detect if your baby is suffering the sudden infant death syndrome by informing you when its pulse and saturation of oxygen drops too low, which indicates the baby has stopped breathing and needs some help.

However, there is no remedy that avoids this syndrome, so we recommend all parents to follow this tips in order to take care of its baby as calmly as possible.

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