Question: What are 3 things that can cause SIDS?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a tragic and devastating affliction that can strike without warning, and often the cause is unknown. Despite this, there are certain factors that can increase the risk of a SIDS event occurring. In this article, we will look at three of the most commonly cited causes of SIDS.
One of the primary potential causes of SIDS is a baby’s sleeping position. It is generally advised that babies should always be placed sleeping on their back, as this reduces the risk of SIDS. Stomach sleeping, or sleeping on the side, can increase the risk of SIDS due to the possibility of the baby’s airway becoming obstructed. For example, if a baby is sleeping on their stomach, their head can become tucked down against their chest, blocking their airway. In addition, if a baby is sleeping on their side, they can roll onto their stomach during the night, and become obstructed in the same manner.
Another potential cause of SIDS is exposure to secondhand smoke. Inhaling secondhand smoke can cause an infant’s airway to become inflamed, increasing the risk of SIDS. It is generally advised that parents and caretakers should refrain from smoking around babies, or even in the home, to minimize the risk of SIDS.
Finally, another potential cause of SIDS is an overly warm sleeping environment. If a baby is too hot while sleeping, their body may not be able to regulate its temperature, increasing the risk of SIDS. For this reason, it is generally advised that the baby’s sleeping environment should never be too hot, and that parents and caretakers should avoid the use of extra blankets and avoid overdressing the baby.
In conclusion, there are a variety of potential causes of SIDS, including sleeping position, exposure to secondhand smoke, and an overly warm sleeping environment. It is important for parents and caretakers to be aware of these potential causes in order to reduce the risk of SIDS.