Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) - Risk, Causes and Measures

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one of the greatest worries of new parents. It usually occurs between the second and ninth month of life, more frequently in boys, and often in the early morning hours. Particularly frightening is the fact that it can also affect perfectly healthy babies.

What happens during SIDS?

The causes remain unclear. Affected babies "forget" to breathe because the brain does not properly transmit the breathing rhythm. Without timely intervention, breathing stops completely.

More recent studies (2022) suggest that a missing enzyme (BChE) plays a role. This enzyme is important for communication in the brain and could explain why some babies do not automatically wake up when their breathing stops.

Risk factors

The good news: The number of cases has been declining for years thanks to better prevention. Nevertheless, thousands of babies still die from it in Europe every year.

Known risk factors include:
• Sleeping on your stomach → always choose sleeping on your back
• Smoking during pregnancy or surrounding
• Overheating due to excessively warm clothing, blankets or pillows
• Premature birth or low birth weight
• Co-sleeping – baby sleeps in the parents' bed (especially risky for smokers, alcoholics, or those with overly soft mattresses and blankets)

Preventive measures

Parents can significantly reduce the risk by following simple rules:
✔ Always lie on your back
✔ No blankets, pillows or cuddly toys – a sleeping bag is preferable.
✔ Room temperature around 18 °C
✔ Breathable, thin clothing
✔ Own bed in the parents' bedroom or children's room
✔ Use modern monitoring that keeps an eye on breathing & temperature

Sleep soundly through the night with MARY by sticklett

MARY – the smart baby sensor – will support you here:
• Continuous respiratory monitoring at the chest
• Alarm sent to smartphone if breathing stops for too long
• Warning: If your baby rolls into the risky prone position
• Temperature measurement to detect overheating in time
• Unrestricted range → your baby sleeps safely in their own bed

This way you're always one step ahead and can sleep more peacefully, knowing your baby is protected.

Conclusion

SIDS remains a sensitive topic, but many risks can be minimized with simple measures. With clear sleep rules and smart support from MARY by sticklett, you can give your baby safe nights and yourself more peace of mind.
👉 Discover MARY now – for restful nights and greater security.