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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Spýtať sa modelu ChatGPT
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected death of an infant whose cause cannot be determined even after a thorough examination. 
SIDS occurs most frequently between 2 and 4 months of age, with most cases occurring before 6 months. The risk is increased in babies with low birth weight, premature birth, and slower intrauterine or postnatal growth.
The risk is significantly higher (3-5 times) if the mother smokes during pregnancy. Alcohol or drug use by the mother during pregnancy also increases the risk.
Sleeping on the stomach clearly increases the risk of SIDS. Sleeping on the side is less risky than sleeping on the stomach, but the risk of SIDS in the side position is twice as high as when sleeping on the back. For this reason, placing the baby on their back is strongly recommended.
Soft sleeping surfaces and bedding, such as pillows, blankets, older or softer mattresses, are associated with a higher risk of SIDS. Covering the head and face with loose bedding also increases the risk.
Another risk factor is overheating caused by high room temperature or excessive clothing or wrapping.
According to some studies, bed-sharing is a risk factor, especially sleeping with another child, sleeping with a parent on a couch or other soft surface, and sleeping with a mother who smokes. Sharing a room with parents, on the other hand, reduces the risk. The safest place for an infant to sleep is a crib in the parents’ bedroom.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS. The risk is also lowered by using a pacifier. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a pacifier should be used for all babies but should be introduced only after successful initiation of breastfeeding.
Recommendations for reducing the risk of SIDS
- Place babies on their back to sleep [sleeping on the stomach is higher risk, and side sleeping offers no benefits and is not recommended].
- Babies should sleep in their own crib in the parents’ bedroom. Placing the crib close to the mother’s bed facilitates contact and breastfeeding.
- Babies should sleep on a firm mattress. Couches, soft mattresses, and other soft surfaces should not be used.
- No soft materials (pillows, blankets, plush toys, etc.) should be in the baby’s sleeping environment. If a blanket is used, it should be tucked behind the mattress and only reach the baby’s chest. Sleep clothing or a sleep sack can be used instead of a blanket.
- Avoid overheating and excessive clothing or covering. The baby should be lightly dressed for sleep and the room temperature should be comfortable (no exact temperature is defined).
- Babies should be placed on their tummy (“tummy time”) while awake and under supervision. In the crib, babies should be positioned so they can be accessed from both sides, and their head should be positioned to both sides while sleeping. This helps minimize the risk of flattening the head on one side (positional plagiocephaly).
- Babies should not be propped up with anything or have any special devices in the crib.
- There is no evidence that home monitors for breathing, heart rate, or oxygen saturation reduce the risk of SIDS, so they are not recommended for this purpose (except for certain high-risk infants).
- The use of a pacifier should be considered when placing the baby to sleep. If the pacifier falls out during sleep, it should not be reinserted. For breastfed babies, pacifier use should start only after breastfeeding is well established.
- Mothers should not smoke during pregnancy, and babies should not be exposed to tobacco smoke.