Check the baby's sleeping position to prevent sudden death

Seeing a baby sleeping soundly is fun. But that can turn into a nightmare if sudden infant death syndrome occurs. SIDS is also called sudden death in infants.

Usually this happens to babies under one year. This sudden death in infants is related to babies born with delayed brain function, especially by regulating respiration and responses to natural awakening.

Babies born with brain disorders may be due to genetic factors, lack of oxygen in the fetus due to smoking or exposure to toxic substances during pregnancy.

Why sudden death can occur?

All functions of the baby's organs are not completely perfect, especially in their first year. These imperfect developments include nerve pathways associated with serotonin in the brain.

This point regulates heart rate, blood pressure and especially breathing when you wake up. The factors that make babies vulnerable to sudden death differ from each other.

Some related factors include:

Brain disorders

Some babies are born with brain disorders and cause sudden death. That is, the part of the brain that controls breathing and the process of waking up doesn't work.

Low birth weight

Premature babies or low birth weight babies are also more likely to die suddenly. The reason is that part of their brain is not fully cooked. As a result, automatic control capabilities such as breathing and heart rate remain low.

Respiratory infection

Many babies also die suddenly after experiencing a fever or flu. In this case, SIDS is caused by respiratory problems.

Sleeping position

Many blame sleep position as one of the causes of sudden infant death. Infants who sleep on their stomach can make it more difficult for them to breathe than sleeping on their backs.

Pillow or bed

In addition to sleeping position, the pillow and bed used also tend to be triggers. Materials that are too soft can actually close the baby's airways. It would be better if the cradle is a sturdy base and not too many objects around it.

Ambient temperature

According to the National Institutes of Health, a pile of blankets, warm baby clothes and too high an ambient temperature increase the risk of sudden death in infants. The reason is that babies are very sensitive to temperature and cannot control their body temperature.

How to prevent sudden death in infants?

In fact, the risk factor for sudden infant death can also be caused by birth. Pregnant women under the age of 20 who smoke, drink alcohol, and use illegal drugs can be risk factors for sudden death in infants.

For this reason, prevention of sudden death in infants must begin during pregnancy. Make sure the nutritional intake of the fetus is truly tailored to its needs. The mother also must live a healthy life.

Not only during pregnancy. When babies are born, parents and their caregivers must also know how to prevent sudden death, including:

Sleep on your back

Especially for babies who can't curl, it's safer to let them sleep while lying on their backs. Promote everyone who cares for your child.
However, that doesn't mean time on your stomach or stomach is a bad thing. In fact, this position is good for the development of the neck and shoulder muscles. However, do it only when the baby is awake and adults are watching.

Avoid soft beds

Another thing that is no less important is to avoid mattresses that are too soft which gives the impression that the baby is "sinking" into it. Also, as far as possible, do not fill the box with toys.

No one can predict the possibility of the baby's nose sticking to toys that can block his breathing.

Try sleeping in the same room as the baby

Both parents who sleep with a baby and use a cradle, adjust the temperature of the room so it is not too hot. In addition, babies under one year are advised to sleep in the same room as their parents.

Some ways to prevent sudden infant death or SIDS above certainly differ from baby to baby.

Of course, because the baby's organs are still in developmental stages, help him by making sure that his environment is not threatened with sudden death.