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

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – SIDS

It usually occurs between the 2nd and 9th month of life, more frequently in boys, and often in the early morning hours. Particularly frightening: It can also affect perfectly healthy babies.

What happens to the baby's body in SIDS?

The causes are still not definitively understood. Affected babies "forget" to breathe because the brain does not properly transmit the breathing rhythm.

Newer 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 breathing stops.

The good news: Thanks to education and prevention, the number of cases has significantly decreased in recent years. Nevertheless, thousands of babies still die from it in Europe every year.

Risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome

Known risk factors include:

• Sleeping on the stomach
• Smoking during pregnancy or in the environment
• Overheating due to excessively warm clothing, room temperature, blankets, or pillows
• Premature birth or low birth weight
• Co-sleeping in the parents' bed
  
  

Recommended SIDS prevention measures:

With simple rules, parents can significantly reduce the risk:

• Sleeping on the back
• Non-smoking environment
• No blankets, pillows, or cuddly toys in the bed
• Room temperature around 18 °C
• Breathable, thin sleepwear
• Own bed in the parents' bedroom or nursery

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is multifactorial, meaning it is caused by several influences and causes simultaneously. Breathing monitoring devices cannot prevent sudden infant death.

Can modern technical support help?

SIDS is a sensitive topic, but many risk factors are manageable. With clear sleep rules, a safe environment, and an eye on breathing, temperature, and sleep position, parents can actively contribute to prevention and thus reduce the risk of SIDS.

Modern support such as MARY by sticklett does not replace the recommended prevention measures. However, the system can help to detect critical changes in risk factors in good time and support parents in implementing the measures correctly.