Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden Infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a phenomenon where a baby just stops breathing and dies after birth. The cause of SIDS is not known. Young infants are at greater risk of SIDS. SIDS is associated with factors like soft bedding or toys which may cause suffocation.
Earlier, it was believed that the cause of death is the mother rolling over the baby while asleep. And it was known as ‘overlaying’. Now it is clear that overlaying is not the reason for SIDS, but the exact reason for the SIDS is not known yet. The baby dies while asleep and it doesn’t come into notice immediately. In few instances it is observed that the healthy baby when put to sleep stops breathing suddenly and dies.
The risk of an infant dying of SIDS decreases as it grows older. Once the baby grows a year or 2 older, the occurrence of SIDS is very rare. Majority of SIDS cases are reported in 2 to 4 month old infants.
In order to prevent death due to SIDS, NICHD sponsored a campaign called ‘Back to Sleep’ where they aimed in creating awareness among the parents , caregivers etc. to put the baby to sleep on its back on a hard surface, avoiding loose sheets, blankets, stuffed toys around. Even after taking all these precautions the babies may encounter apparent life threatening events, where the baby may experience suffocation or stop breathing. In such situations, it is advisable to rock the baby gently and promote its breathing rather than shaking the baby as it may lead to brain damage.  The baby should be taken to the emergency department once it starts breathing. The doctor will examine the baby, run few tests and then treat the baby accordingly.
The victims of SIDS are not just the babies, but also the parents, babysitters and siblings who may feel responsible for the death. This results in trauma and severe psychological problems.