Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

By Alvaro Castillo

Infant breathing patterns are often irregular. There may be periods of 5 to 10 seconds when an infant will stop breathing, this is known as an apneic spell. Normal infants outgrow this pattern, characteristic of a certain state of sleep, is normal for newborns, and should not be of concern to the parents unless it persists for a number of months.

Many parents fear that their infants will stop breathing and become victims of SIDS. Although SIDS is the leading cause of death beyond the newborn period, it is important to remember that the risk is about 1 in 600 before age one and declines rapidly after 6 months.

The risk of this syndrome higher for children whose siblings had the problem and for premature infants. Don't panic if your child's breathing is erratic, with the child not taking a breath for 10 to 15 seconds. Discuss pauses longer than that with your doctor.

There are a number of ways to diagnose and manage SIDS, including monitors and medications. Parents who have experienced a previous loss of a child should discuss the benefits and risks of and apnea monitor with their physician. Parents can reduce the risk of SIDS following these rules:

• It is essential for the mother not to smoke during her pregnancy or after birth. Infants who die from SIDS are 2 or 3 times more likely to have mothers who smoke

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that healthy infants sleep on their sides or their backs. There is convincing evidence that infants who sleep on their stomachs are more vulnerable to SIDS.

• Since the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended in 1992 that infants sleep on their back, SIDS have decreased more than 40%. Premature infants and those with respiratory or intestinal problems may do better sleeping on their stomach in those circumstances, you should rely on your doctor's judgment.

• As a general rule babies do not need to sleep on pillows, infant cushions have even been banned because of the risk of suffocation

However, consult your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.

Alvaro Castillo has been writing health articles for five years. One of his specializations has been on parenting and pregnancy. If you would like to learn more, then visit his website at http://www.myhomeparent.com or visit his blog at http://myhomeparent.blogspot.com to share your opinion.

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