Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Research Paper

What is SIDS? Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, known as SIDS can be a serious problem among infants. SIDS is the unexplained, or unknown death usually happening to the baby during sleep. By definition, this type of death does not happen to a baby after its first birthday. Commonly, the babies seem healthy and well when this happens. SIDS is often referred to as crib death because the babies often die inside the crib. A lack of answers is part of what makes sudden infant death syndrome so frightening. SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants 1 month to 1 year old, and claims the lives of about 2,500 each year in the United States. Even after years of research, SIDS still remains unpredictable.
What causes SIDS?
Brain abnormalities: Some infants are born with problems that make them more likely to die of SIDS. In many of these babies, the portion of the brain that controls breathing
Sleeping on the stomach or side: Babies who are placed on their stomachs or sides to sleep may have more difficulty breathing than those placed on their backs.
Sleeping on a soft surface: Lying face down on a fluffy comforter or a waterbed can block an infant's airway. Draping a blanket over a baby's head also is risky.
Sleeping with parents: While the risk of SIDS is lowered if an infant sleeps in the same room as his or her parents, the risk increases if the baby sleeps in the same bed partly because there are more soft surfaces to prevent breathing.
What can I do to help prevent SIDS? Back to sleep: Place your baby to sleep on his or her back, rather than on the stomach or side. This isn't necessary when your baby's awake. Keep the crib as bare as possible: Use a firm mattress and avoid placing your baby on thick, fluffy padding.. Don't leave pillows, fluffy toys or stuffed animals in the crib. That may prevent your baby from breathing