The term "Sudden Infant Death Syndrome" or simply "SIDS," refers to a healthy infant under the age of one whose sudden, unexplained death was thought to have happened while they were sleeping. This is often referred to as "cot" death.

SIDS still accounts for more than one-third of all sudden unexpected newborn fatalities that happen in the United States each year, despite incidence of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths declining.

Research has also shown that dangerous sleeping environments, such as those with loose sheets, blankets, or stuffed animals, continue to be a major factor in newborn fatalities.


SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS)

A seemingly healthy baby dies unexpectedly, generally while sleeping, and this is known as SIDS. The majority (90%) of SIDS deaths occur before a baby turns six months old, and it often happens between one and four months of age. SIDS is often known as crib death because newborns often die in their cribs. It is nevertheless wise to remain cautious even though crime is less common in Asian nations than in the West.


Here are 5 ways to keep your infant secure while they sleep:

1. Going to bed - Children should be put to sleep in a supine position (completely on the back) until the kid is 1 year old to lower the risk of SIDS; this recommendation applies to preterm infants as well. It is unsafe and raises the risk of SIDS for babies to sleep on their stomachs.

2. Firm Surface for Sleeping - When placing a newborn on the surface, choose a firm mattress and fitted mattress sheet that do not follow the curve of the baby's head. Keep toys, soft or loose mattress sheets, extra-large blankets, and an excess of pillows and bolsters away from the infant's sleeping area. Many babies who pass away from SIDS are discovered with their heads covered in loose bedding.

3. Sleep Wear - Put your baby in lightweight pajamas; avoid anything too thick that you wouldn't wear in the same climate. His pajamas should not have any strings or knots, and his head should not be covered. As overheating can raise the risk of SIDS, keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for you and watch to make sure your infant is not too hot or cold.

4. Hazard-free - Keep dangers like dangling cords, electric wires, and window-covering cords out of the sleeping area since they provide a strangulation risk.

5. Get separate beds - Due to the possibility of entrapment and asphyxia, infants shouldn't be put to sleep on beds. Additionally, there is a chance of getting suffocated by the weight of adults sharing a bed. In addition, because of the possibility of entrapment and strangulation, portable bed rails shouldn't be used with young children.

The closer the crib is to your bed, the more accessible and visible your child will be in the event of an emergency. If you have to nurse your infant while lying on the bed, put him in his crib when you're ready to turn in.

The authors of a local study on unintentional injury and its prevention in newborns were horrified to discover that while many Malaysian parents are aware of safety precautions while sleeping, they have chosen not to put them into effect. This demonstrates that simply being aware of these processes is insufficient. You must take action right away; later on, it will become a natural habit, which will be helpful as you continue to have additional children.



Reference:
https://mypositiveparenting.org/2017/11/08/safe-sleep-environment-and-practices/