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

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one of the biggest concerns for young parents. It usually occurs between the second and nine months of life, more frequently in boys, and often in the early morning hours. What's particularly frightening is that it can also affect completely healthy babies.

What happens with SIDS?

The causes are still unclear. Affected babies "forget" to breathe because the brain fails to properly transmit the breathing rhythm. Without timely intervention, breathing stops completely.

Recent studies (2022) suggest that a missing enzyme (BChE) plays a role. This enzyme is important for brain communication and could explain why some babies don't automatically wake up when their breathing stops.

Risk factors

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

Known risk factors include:
• Sleep on your stomach → always choose the back position
• Smoking during pregnancy or in the surrounding area
• Overheating due to warm clothing, blankets or pillows
• Premature birth or low birth weight
• Co-sleeping – baby sleeps in the parents’ bed (especially risky with smokers, alcohol consumption or mattresses and blankets that are too soft)

Preventive measures

Parents can significantly reduce the risk with simple rules:
✔ Always lie on your back
✔ No blankets, pillows or cuddly toys – prefer sleeping bag
✔ 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 and temperature

Carefree through the night with MARY by sticklett

This is where MARY – the smart baby sensor – supports you:
• Continuous chest breathing monitoring
• Alarm on your smartphone if breathing stops for too long
• Warning if your baby turns into the risky tummy position
• Temperature measurement to detect overheating in good time
• Unlimited range → your baby sleeps safely in its own bed

This way you are always one step ahead and can sleep more relaxed because you know 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 relaxed nights and more security.