The hand of an adult holds a small baby hand while the baby is sleeping.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

A sensitive topic that probably no parent wants to face, but one that is nonetheless worth informing oneself about, is sudden infant death syndrome. Affected families are left with a mystery after the unexplained death of their infant and sometimes blame themselves heavily. A message that offers hope: the state of research is continuously advancing, the number of cases has already decreased to 0.02 percent thanks to better awareness, and initial clues about the cause have already been found. What you need to know about sudden infant death syndrome, how to create a safe sleeping environment for your baby, and what you can do in an emergency have been summarized for you together with emergency doctors Dr. med. Annalena Dehé and Dr. med. Lukas Dehé. .

What is sudden infant death syndrome?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is known as the unexpected death of an infant during sleep. It is frightening that the death occurs despite complete health – and remains so even after thorough investigation the cause of death is unknown . This makes it particularly difficult for affected families to cope with the loss. Many new parents blame themselves. However, according to current knowledge, sudden infant death cannot be prevented. The Risk decreases when some preventive measures are followed however significant.

In the past 30 years, much information about sudden infant death syndrome and proper prevention measures – with a positive outcome: While in the late 1980s, 1,000 children died annually from sudden infant death syndrome, by 2020, there were only 84 babies in Germany. To further reduce the number of cases, research teams are actively investigating the causes of SIDS.



What are the causes of SIDS?

A definitive cause for sudden infant death syndrome is not yet known. Rather, research and medicine assume that several factors come together and pose a danger to the baby together.

The following factors can increase the risk of sudden infant death:

  • In the child's sleeping environment, it will be smoked .

  • The child is sleeping in Supine position .

  • Blanket, pillow, and cuddly toys are in the crib.

  • The mother has during pregnancy drugs or alcohol consumed.

  • The baby is generally difficult to awaken and has a very deep sleep .

  • The Breathing system is still a baby not fully developed .

An Australian researcher claims to have found a reason for sudden infant death. She discovered that the Activity of the enzyme butyrylcholinesterase in deceased children was lower than in living infants. The enzyme is important for communication in the brain, and a too low enzyme activity could cause that the Baby does not wake up automatically , the breathing should pause. However, further studies need to be conducted to confirm this research.

When does the risk decrease?

You are wondering at what age sudden infant death syndrome poses the greatest risk for your baby? The most deaths occur in the first year of life , especially between the second and fourth month of life. As the baby gets older, the risk decreases.

Measures to prevent sudden infant death syndrome

Over the years, some precautions have proven effective in significantly minimizing the risk of sudden infant death. Thanks to these measures, only 0.02 percent of all infants now die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. We have summarized which measures these are and how you can ensure a safe sleeping environment for your baby.

Sleep in a supine position

If your infant sleeps on their back, it can significantly reduce the risk of sudden infant death. Since your baby initially not yet able to turn onto the stomach or side independently can, do you ensure that it is during the Sleep phases can breathe well. It is also recommended to your child to a firm and breathable children's mattress to be placed.

Sleeping bag instead of blanket and pillow

Does your baby wear a suitable during sleep? Sleeping bag that is not too big and not too small , reduces the risk of overheating and suffocation. Therefore, avoid exposing your newborn to Bedding consisting of a duvet and pillow to sleep on. Additional risk factors can also be stuffed animals in the bed, which is why you should also only include them in the bed at a later stage of life.

Own baby cot in the parents' bedroom

Your baby sleeps safest when it can doze in its own crib in the parents' bedroom. There, you and your partner always have an eye on the little one in case of an emergency. Additionally, it is believed that babies only for shorter phases in the Deep sleep fallen , when they sleep in the parents' bedroom. This is partly because they imitate their parents' breathing.

Smoke-free sleeping environment

Smoking increases the risk significantly for sudden infant death. Therefore, make sure to keep your baby away from cigarette smoke. Most importantly, have a smoke-free bedroom so that your little one’s breathing is not impaired during sleep.

Avoid overheating

Babies prefer to sleep in a cool, comfortably temperated environment. Specifically: The room temperature in the bedroom should between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius behave. In winter, you should also ensure that your child does not sleep in direct proximity to a heater. In summer, avoid direct sunlight on the sleeping area. Also, the way you Put on the baby , can prevent overheating. Pay attention to, for example, the TOG value of the sleeping bag.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – What to do in an emergency?

If you notice that your baby shows no breathing during sleep, it probably puts you into a state of shock. A quick response to the absent breathing may possibly save your child's life. But how do you actually recognize that your child is in danger right now and you First aid What do you have to pay?

  • Blue discoloration around the mouth / on the entire face

  • Noticeable pallor

  • Heavy sweating

  • Breaths pauses of 15 seconds during sleep

  • Severe awakenability

To be prepared for the emergency situation, the tell you Emergency doctors and parents Dr. med. Annalena Dehé and Dr. med. Lukas Dehé from 12minutes the correct behavior: „If you find yourself in this terrible situation where you discover your baby lifeless and not breathing in the bed, immediately start with ventilation and then proceed with resuscitation. Also, call emergency services or delegate the emergency call to your partner."



12 minutes helps you refresh your first aid knowledge and Optimally prepared for baby and child emergencies to be. In an online course developed by active emergency doctors with a practice dummy, you will learn the theory and practice of first aid to become confident in handling minor and major emergency situations. The online course is explained clearly and can be completed from home at any time.

The possibility of sudden infant death already causes and worries among many expectant moms and dads during pregnancy. However, statistics show that the risk can be significantly reduced through simple preventive measures. If you have questions about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and a safe sleeping environment for your baby, you can consult your doctor or midwife even before birth.

With this article, we want to inform you about an important topic and provide you with relevant information that has already been reviewed by experts. However, the advice listed here can never replace personal consultation with your doctor or midwife. Therefore, always contact your healthcare professional for questions and professional care.

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