Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Flashcards
1
Q
What is Sudden infant death syndrome?
A
Sudden unexplained death in an infant
2
Q
What is SIDS the commonest cause of?
A
Death in the first year of life (usually before 6 months)
3
Q
What is SIDS also called?
A
Cot death
4
Q
What are the risk factors for SIDS?
A
- Prematurity
- Low birth weight
- Smoking during pregnancy
- Male baby (only slightly increased risk)
5
Q
What are possible protective factors for SIDS?
A
- breastfeeding
- room sharing (but not bed sharing)
- the use of dummies (pacifiers)
6
Q
How can the risk of sudden infant death syndrome be reduced?
A
- Put the baby on their back when not directly supervised
- Keep their head uncovered
- Place their feet at the foot of the bed to prevent them sliding down and under the blanket
- Keep the cot clear of lots of toys and blankets
7
Q
What should be avoided to reduce the risk of cot death?
A
Avoid smoking
Avoid co-sleeping
Avoid hyperthermia- keep room at nice temperature
8
Q
What support is available for families having another child after SIDS?
A
Care of Next Infant (CONI) support team
9
Q
When does SIDS most commonly occur?
A
At 3 months
