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6 recommendations to share to help prevent cot death

6 recommendations to share to help prevent cot death
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Every year, around 214 babies in the UK are victims of “sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)”, also known as cot death, which is the main cause of death in babies under a year old. In general, this sudden death occurs during sleep, and one in two such deaths could have been avoided if certain measures had been taken. Read on to find out what those vital measures are. 

Sudden infant death syndrome: what are the risk factors?

Although the causes of cot death are often poorly understood, certain risk factors can be identified:

  • it can happen to babies aged 0 to 24 months, but in 80% of cases, it occurs in babies under 6 months
  • babies whose vagal nerve activity is excessive (which slows down their heartbeat)
  • babies suffering from infections or illnesses
  • premature babies and babies with a low birth weight
  • certain sleeping positions: there is a risk of suffocating if a baby sleeps on their stomach, with a quilt or a blanket. 
  • babies exposed to cigarette smoke

Practical tips for preventing cot death

Follow these simple preventative measures to half the risk of cot death. These recommendations apply to anyone who looks after children under two years of age. 

Make sure the baby sleeps on their back

THE golden rule for reducing the risk of cot death is to ensure the baby goes to sleep on their back, on a firm mattress and without a blanket or quilt, which could suffocate them in their sleep.

Since parents have stopped putting children to sleep on their stomachs, cot death rates have reduced by 76% over the past 20 years. 

Monitor your baby’s sleep during the first 6 months

It is recommended that your baby sleeps in your bedroom for the first 6 months of their lives, so as to best monitor them.

Place the baby in a special sleeping bag

For naps or going to sleep at night, it is recommended that you put the baby in a special baby sleeping bag, without a pillow, quilt, sheet or blanket. Certain professionals claim that soothers are recommended for preventing sudden infant death syndrome, but this has not yet been proven.

Be sure not to use baby wedges or baby sleep positioners, which could be dangerous if the baby turns over in their sleep.

Wait a certain amount of time after feeding before putting your baby to bed

Whether he has been burped or not, it is recommended that you wait 15 minutes before putting your baby lying down or putting them to bed after feeding them, as they could regurgitate the milk, which could choke them in this position.

If the baby brings up a little milk after feeding, but their sleep, their appetite and growth is normal, there is no need to worry. Otherwise, consult your doctor.

Don’t fall asleep beside your baby

The risk of falling asleep with your baby in the bed or on the couch beside you is that they might fall, or be suffocated either by the covers or by your body. What’s more, they baby could get too hot from the body contact. The ideal temperature for a baby’s bedroom is 19°C. Everyone needs to stay in their own beds!

Protect your baby from cigarette smoke

Cigarette smoke is a significant risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome and respiratory infections, chronic ear infections and reflux.

Avoid smoking, and if you haven’t given up, make sure to smoke outdoors, change your jumper or top afterwards and wash your hands and face before touching or cuddling your baby.

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