The causes of Sudden Death can be several, but the position in which we put our baby to bed is essential to reduce the risk. Take note!
A baby sleeping on his back and with his arms and legs open and relaxed gives us a pleasant feeling of peace, tranquility and tenderness.
But there is more, this posture, recommended for some years by pediatricians around the world, has saved the lives of many children. Until it was discovered that sleeping on the stomach could be one more factor in causing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), it was very common to lay the child on his tummy: it was believed that this way he expelled gases better and if he vomited, his suffocation was avoided. When it was found that this, on the contrary, only increased the risk of suffocation, it was recommended to change the position, at least during the baby’s rest.
According to a study, an abnormality in a part of the brain that controls breathing, heart rate, and awakening could be the cause of Sudden Death. Each year approximately seven out of 10,000 babies die from this syndrome during the first months of life. And that has decreased by more than 50% since children sleep on their backs.
Tips to prevent sudden death
But to prevent sudden death while the child sleeps, in addition to placing him on his back, there are other measures to take:
1. If you have reflux, the mattress should be raised about 45 degrees.
2. Avoid having toys in the crib.
3. The use of pillows is not recommended.
4. The mattress must be firm, never too soft so that the baby can sink.
5. It is essential not to shelter it too much. Avoid excessive clothing and high temperatures in your room.
6. Lastly, keep the environment clean and do not allow them to smoke near the baby so as not to obstruct their breathing.