A sensitive topic that no parent wants to face—but one that is still important to learn about—is sudden infant death syndrome. Affected families are left with unanswered questions after the unexplained death of their infant and may blame themselves deeply. Here is a message of hope: research continues to advance, the number of cases has already fallen to 0.02 percent thanks to greater awareness, and initial clues about possible causes have been found. Together with emergency doctors Dr. med. Annalena Dehé and Dr. med. Lukas Dehé, we have summarized 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. .
What is sudden infant death syndrome?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) , refers to the unexpected death of an infant during sleep. It is especially frightening because it can occur despite the baby appearing completely healthy—and even after a thorough investigation, the cause of death remains 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 significantly when certain preventive measures are followed , however.
Over the past 30 years, a great deal has been learned about sudden infant death syndrome and effective prevention measures—with positive results: 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 reduce the number of cases even further, research teams are actively investigating the causes of SIDS.
What are the causes of SIDS?
A definitive cause of sudden infant death syndrome is not yet known. Instead, research and medicine assume that several factors come together and, in combination, pose a danger to the baby.
The following factors can increase the risk of sudden infant death:
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Someone smokes in the child’s sleeping environment.
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The child sleeps in a supine position .
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Blankets, pillows, and cuddly toys are in the crib.
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The mother consumed drugs or alcohol during pregnancy .
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The baby is generally difficult to wake and sleeps very deeply .
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The baby’s respiratory system is not yet fully developed .
An Australian researcher claims to have found a possible explanation for sudden infant death. She discovered that the activity of the enzyme butyrylcholinesterase was lower in deceased children than in living infants. The enzyme is important for communication in the brain, and low enzyme activity could mean that the baby does not wake up automatically if breathing pauses. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
When does the risk decrease?
You may be wondering at what age sudden infant death syndrome poses the greatest risk for your baby. The highest number of deaths occurs in the first year of life , especially between the second and fourth month. As your baby gets older, the risk decreases.
Measures to prevent sudden infant death syndrome
Over the years, certain 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 create 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 is not yet able to turn onto their stomach or side independently , you can ensure that during Sleep phases your baby can breathe well. It is also recommended to place your child on a firm and breathable children's mattress .
Sleeping bag instead of blanket and pillow
Does your baby wear a suitable during sleep? A sleeping bag that is not too big and not too small reduces the risk of overheating and suffocation. Therefore, avoid putting your newborn to sleep with Bedding such as a duvet and pillow. Additional risk factors include stuffed animals in the bed, which is why you should only introduce them at a later stage.
Own baby cot in the parents' bedroom
Your baby sleeps most safely when they can doze in their own crib in the parents' bedroom. There, you and your partner can always keep an eye on your little one in case of an emergency. In addition, it is believed that babies fall into Deep sleep only for shorter phases when they sleep in the parents' bedroom. This is partly because they imitate their parents' breathing.
Smoke-free sleeping environment
Smoking significantly increases the risk of sudden infant death. Therefore, make sure to keep your baby away from cigarette smoke. Most importantly, keep the bedroom smoke-free so that your little one’s breathing is not impaired during sleep.
Avoid overheating
Babies prefer to sleep in a cool, comfortably tempered environment. Specifically, the room temperature in the bedroom should be between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius . In winter, also make sure that your child does not sleep in direct proximity to a heater. In summer, avoid direct sunlight on the sleeping area. The way you Put on the baby can also help prevent overheating. Pay attention, for example, to the TOG value of the sleeping bag.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – What to do in an emergency?
If you notice that your baby is not breathing during sleep, it can put you into a state of shock. A quick response when breathing is absent may save your child's life. But how can you recognize that your child is in danger right now, and what should you keep in mind when providing First aid ?
Blue discoloration around the mouth or across the entire face
Noticeable pallor
Heavy sweating
Breathing pauses of 15 seconds during sleep
Severe difficulty waking
To help you prepare for an emergency, the share with you emergency doctors and parents Dr. med. Annalena Dehé and Dr. med. Lukas Dehé from 12minutes the correct approach: „If you find yourself in this terrible situation where you discover your baby lifeless and not breathing in the bed, immediately start 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 be optimally prepared for baby and child emergencies . In an online course developed by active emergency doctors using a practice dummy, you will learn the theory and practice of first aid so you can feel confident handling minor and major emergency situations. The online course is clearly explained and can be completed from home at any time.
The possibility of sudden infant death already causes worry for 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 been reviewed by experts. However, the advice listed here can never replace a personal consultation with your doctor or midwife. Therefore, always contact your healthcare professional with questions and for professional care.
