We need to understand SIDS and the importance of the infant’s environment in preventing suffocation deaths. No evidence exists to support the view that bumper pads reduce SIDS risk. We need to reduce unsafe sleeping practice. Breast feeding and immunisation prevent SIDS –

Team@CMHF

Breastfeeding and immunization protect babies against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) but bumper pads don’t, according to updated guidelines from the American Academy of Paediatrics.

AAP suggests focusing on providing a safe sleeping environment for infants to reduce the risk of all sleep-related deaths, such as suffocation.

According to the updated guidelines, supine sleeping position, firm sleeping surface, and no bed-sharing remain the cornerstones of SIDS prevention.

A study reported at the AAP meeting showed that half of SIDS deaths involved infants placed in nonsupine sleeping positions, and 71% of the deaths involved unsafe sleeping surfaces. In more than half the deaths involving unsafe sleeping areas, a crib (recommended by the AAP) was available in the household but was not used or was being used for other purposes.

A breastfeeding recommendation is based on multiple studies showing a lower rate of SIDS among breastfed babies. The AAP encourages exclusive breastfeeding or feeding with expressed milk.

The AAP recommends:

• Room-sharing with an infant — but not bed-sharing
• Keeping cribs free of soft objects and loose bedding
• Offering a pacifier at naptime and bedtime
• Avoidance of overheating
• No use of home cardio respiratory monitors
• Expansion of the national SIDS campaign to include the focus on a safe sleeping environment

Reference: http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/AAP/29091?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DailyHeadlines&utm_source=WC&eun=g333280d0r&userid=333280&email=drchasrani@cmhs.in