Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, commonly known as SIDS, is one of the most devastating occurrences that can happen to any family.

SIDS is the unexpected and sudden death of an infant less than 1 year of age, and it is one of the leading causes of death in infants between 1 month and one-year-old. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 3,500 babies die every year in the United States from SIDS.

While the cause of SIDS is not entirely clear, there are several reasons why some babies are more susceptible to SIDS than others.

Brain Abnormalities

One of the reasons why some babies are more vulnerable to SIDS involves abnormalities in their brains. These abnormalities may affect the way the brain regulates breathing, heart rate, and temperature control, placing the baby at a higher risk of SIDS.

Studies have shown that over half of the babies who have died from SIDS had defects, particularly in the area of the brain that controls breathing, arousal, and sleep.

Sleeping Positions

Another factor that increases a baby’s risk of SIDS is their sleeping position. Putting babies to sleep on their stomachs increases the risk of SIDS.

When babies sleep on their stomachs, they trap carbon dioxide, which can lead to oxygen deprivation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends placing babies to sleep on their backs, even during naps, until the bay is one year old.

Sleeping on their backs helps reduce the risk of SIDS.

Smoking During Pregnancy

Smoking during pregnancy is another risk factor that can make some babies more susceptible to SIDS than others. Studies have shown that babies born to women who smoke during pregnancy are three times more likely to die from SIDS than babies born to mothers who do not smoke.

Nicotine from cigarette smoke can damage the baby’s brain, making it more vulnerable to SIDS.

Premature Birth

Babies who are born prematurely or with low birth weight may be at a higher risk of SIDS. These infants may have underdeveloped organs, including the brain and lungs, which can cause breathing difficulties.

The smaller the baby, the greater the risk of SIDS. Babies who are born before 37 weeks of gestation are at an increased risk of SIDS.

In such cases, taking extra precautions to ensure the baby’s safety, including using an approved safety-certified crib and placing the baby on their back to sleep, can reduce the risk of SIDS.

Male Gender

Studies have also shown that SIDS is more common in male babies. Male infants are 1.7 times more likely to die from SIDS than female infants.

The reason why males are more vulnerable to SIDS is not entirely clear, but theories include hormonal and neurological differences between male and female infants.

Overheating

Overheating can be a significant risk factor for SIDS in some babies. When a baby overheats, it can trigger sweating, which leads to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and respiratory depression.

This combination can cause severe breathing problems and increases the risk of SIDS. Parents are advised to avoid over-bundling their babies, dressing them too warmly, or overdressing them to prevent overheating and reduce the risk of SIDS.

Multifactorial Causes

In many cases, SIDS is multifactorial, meaning that several factors can interact to increase a baby’s vulnerability to SIDS.

For instance, a baby’s brain abnormalities, coupled with overheating and being placed face down to sleep, can interact to place an infant at a higher risk of SIDS. Other examples of interacting factors include smoking during pregnancy, gender, and prematurity.

Conclusion

SIDS is a terrifying and inexplicable condition that claims the lives of thousands of babies annually.

While we do not yet understand all the factors that make some babies more vulnerable to SIDS than others, the above-discussed risk factors should help parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals take extra precautions to reduce the risk of SIDS. Putting babies to sleep on their backs, avoiding smoking during pregnancy, and preventing overheating are just a few of the ways to help protect babies from the risk of SIDS.