October is SIDS Awareness Month

CEBU, Philippines – New born babies spend up to 16 hours sleeping. Not many are aware that that in those sleeping hours, they are exposed to the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME is an unexplained and sudden death of an infant even after the conduct of a thorough investigation, including a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene and a review of clinical history. Infants are born healthy yet death happens unexpectedly usually during sleep. It appears that the baby is suddenly unable to breathe or stops breathing leading to respiratory arrest and ultimately cardiac arrest. Otherwise known as “Crib Death”, this usually occurs between the ages of 1 month to 1 year old, with highest incidence within the 2-4 months age group.

In the Philippines, not many Filipinos are aware of SIDS and how safe sleep practices can protect the lives of newborns. HALO Philippines, through its #SafeSleepPH Campaign, has the following helpful reminders for mothers to reduce the risks of SIDS:

1. Breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding reduces some upper respiratory infections that may influence the development of SIDS.

2. Always put a baby to sleep on his back, regardless if it’s naptime or bedtime.

3. Use a crib that meets current safety standards. The crib should have a firm mattress and a tight-fitting sheet, with nothing else inside except your baby.

4. Remove all loose blankets, comforters, soft toys, and crib bumpers.  These items can block the flow of fresh air to your baby and cause carbon dioxide re-breathing, which is a leading risk factor for SIDS.

5. Use a safety-approved wearble blanket or SleepSack. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of wearable blankets because they eliminate the risk of babies accidentally suffocating or strangulating with loose blankets.