SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (in Slovak Syndróm náhleho úmrtia dojčiat, SIDS) refers to the sudden and unexplained death of an otherwise healthy infant under 1 year of age during sleep. This tragic event cannot be predicted based on the child’s health and remains unexplained even after an autopsy, a thorough examination of the death scene, and a detailed review of medical records.
If it is not possible to determine the exact cause of death (suffocation, immune disorder, choking, or common illnesses such as a cold or infection), the diagnosis of SIDS is made.
SIDS is one of the leading causes of infant death in many developed countries, affecting approximately 1 in 3,000 children. In 2011, SIDS was one of the three main causes of neonatal death in the USA, with deaths most frequently occurring between the 2nd and 4th month of life. SIDS affects boys more often than girls, and its occurrence is independent of race, socioeconomic status, religion, or nationality.
Sudden death (death occurs very suddenly, usually just a few hours after the infant is put to sleep),
No warning signs (the baby does not cry or make noise),
Apparently healthy baby (before the event, the baby appears completely healthy, well-nourished, and generally in good condition),
Possible symptoms before SIDS (even though the baby appears completely healthy, it is not uncommon for symptoms typical of viral infections—especially of the upper respiratory tract and digestive system—to appear before SIDS).
Infant sleeping on the back
Empty crib without any unnecessary items
Infant sleep under 1 year without a pillow
Crib placement in the parents’ bedroom
Appropriate clothing for the baby – warm, but not too much
Air temperature in the room where the baby sleeps, between 16–20 °C
Non-smoking household
Use of pacifiers
Regular breastfeeding
Infant sleeping on the stomach
Maternal smoking during pregnancy
Exposing the baby to secondhand smoke
Mother’s addiction to addictive substances
Premature birth and birth weight under 2.5 kg
Pulmonary defects or diseases in the baby
Family history of SIDS
Infant resuscitation
Dear parents, when your baby is in distress, every second counts.
This first aid guide is here for you so that you know exactly what to do and how to do it:
This procedure serves as a basic guide. We strongly recommend attending a child-focused first aid course, which will provide you with the practical knowledge needed to handle emergency situations.
