According to Public Health France, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is defined as “unexplained death of a child under 1 year, apparently occurring during sleep, which remains unexplained after post-mortem investigations including a full autopsy and a full review of the circumstances of death and clinical historyEach year in France, around 400 babies (often under the age of 6 months) are victims of sudden infant death – this is also referred to as “unexpected infant death” (MIN).
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a phenomenon that is better and better understood by scientists: we now know that an unsafe sleeping environment is a major risk factor.
Pillows, cushions, blankets, bed bumpers … Not before the age of 18 months!
Precisely: a recent study published by theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics investigated the causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). American researchers studied 12,000 cases of SIDS that occurred in the United States between 2011 and 2017: first, they found that 31% of deaths resulted from choking (or “probable suffocation“) of the child. Deuzio, the”dangerous sleeping environments“were involved in about 72% of the cases.
What is a “dangerous sleeping environment” for a baby? Scientists point the finger in particular at “soft bedding”, implicated in around 75% of suffocation cases. As a reminder, during his first months of life, the baby needs a fairly firm mattress (density between 21 and 23 kg / m3 for a synthetic foam mattress) to prevent SIDS.
In addition, American researchers point out that cuddly toys, pillows, cushions, blankets, bed bumpers … should be avoided before the age of 18-20 months on average – ask your pediatrician for advice! Finally, as the National Academy of Medicine reminds us, the baby must imperatively be lying on his back.
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