Ballito paediatrician shares lifesaving tips to prevent sudden infant death syndrome

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is every parent’s worst nightmare and can happen suddenly and without obvious reason in sleeping babies.

The Moms and Babies Support Group listened intensely as Ballito-based specialist paediatrician Dr Vanessa Comley gave lifesaving tips to reduce the chance of SIDS over tea at So Natur, Salt Rock on Monday.

While she said any baby could be at risk, premature infants, those who have had a sibling die from SIDS, infants who sleep on their stomachs, infants exposed to second hand smoke or maternal smoking during pregnancy and those sleeping in beds with parents are at higher risk.

Breastfeeding is protective against SIDS, as is immunisation and the appropriate use of a pacifier.

“SIDS usually occurs in the first year, but most incidents happen to two to four-month-old babies.

“Even though older infants are more mobile, they may not have the ability to get themselves out of a dangerous sleeping position,” said Comley, who is a mom to three girls: six-year-old Sophia, three-year-old Annabelle and three-month-old Emily.

Also read: Breast feeding specialist shares important insights on feeding your baby ‘liquid gold’

Much to many a mom’s surprise, she said the safest proven way for a baby to sleep was on their back and alone.

“Sharing a bed with baby increases the risk as you might cover baby with a blanket, or their face could be against your body causing suffocation as well as lowering oxygen levels and increasing carbon dioxide levels in the air baby is breathing. While adults would wake up if we have high carbon dioxide or low oxygen levels, young infants may not.”

Follow these tips to help your baby sleep safely:

1. Infants should be placed exclusively on their back for every sleep.
2. Use a firm safety-approved crib mattress with a tight fitting sheet. No toys, wedges, pillows, loose quilts, comforters or bumper pads should be in the crib with baby.
3. Burp baby during and after feeds, especially before putting to bed.
4. It is advisable to have baby sleep in your room, but not with you, for at least the first six months to a year.
5. Sleep sacks that are age appropriate and cannot ride up are a safe option. Make sure baby’s arms are out and free to move.
6. Make sure the room and baby are not too hot and avoid overbundling.
7. Do not leave baby to sleep in car seats, strollers, swings or carriers – always put baby down on their back in their bed.
8. Do not rely on home monitoring devices as a strategy to reduce SIDS.

Be the first to receive breaking news straight to your device with our newly launched push notifications! Simply visit our website and click on the icon shown above.

Do you want to receive news alerts from The North Coast Courier via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram