SIDS Information

New Information Concerning SIDS

Co-Sleeping

• There is increased public interest in infants sleeping with their mothers to promote intimacy, reduced sleep problems, and enhance breast-feeding. This interest is understandable.
• Concerns have also been raised. Studies have shown that in specific circumstances co-sleeping may be an additional risk factor for SIDS.
• The SIDS Calgary Society supports infants being close to their mother, and believe that this can be achieved by having a crib or bassinet very close to the mother's bed.
• SIDS Calgary Society believes that infants should be in the same room as their mother.
• SIDS Calgary Society does not advocate infants sharing their bed with their mother, but for those mothers who are interested in having their infants in bed they should be aware of the following factors which have been shown:
  • smoking by the mother (at any time), smoking outside may not affect this risk
  • use of sedatives (this includes antihistamines for allergies)
  • use of alcohol
  • use of prescribed medications which sedate as one of their effects
  • mother who is overweight
  • use of street drugs
• If parents wish to have the infant in bed with them and none of the above factors are present, they should ensure that the mattress is firm, and that they don't have the infant in bed when they are over tired.

Cribs and Bassinets

• Infants should sleep in cribs or bassinets that conform to current Canadian standards
• The mattress should be firm
• There should be no pillows
• Covering should be at a minimum

It has been clearly shown that SIDS more likely when infants sleep on a sofa or adult beds. This is of course likely to happen when parents are visiting. If you are visiting friends or relatives you should consider carefully where your infant will sleep.

In addition to problems with sofas and adult beds, there is continuing danger when older cribs or mattresses are used. Always ensure that the crib for the infant meets current Canadian standards.

General Information about SIDS

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the "sudden death of an infant under one year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history"(Willinger, et al, 1991).

We have gathered some statistics that show how many babies have died, and have been classified as SIDS deaths in Alberta. We can see that there has been a drastic reduction in the number of SIDS cases since 1988. Research is on going to determine the precise reason for the decline.

In order to reduce the risk of SIDS, it is recommended that babies be placed on their backs to sleep. Parents have noticed that some babies develop a flat spot on the back of their heads due to lying on their back when they sleep. This is more commonly called "flat-head".   We found this website, Caring for Kids,  that had some good information on the prevention of "flat-head",

Please check out our references page to explore other sites that contain some good information. We will be posting more information here soon.

Risk Factors

Risk factors are determined by statistical analysis, using information gathered by the Coroner (or Medical Examiner's Office) and researchers, on the environment that the baby was living in prior to death. The risk factors presented below are considered to be the top four by Health Canada and other sources. It is important to remember that these are just risk factors; even if they are followed, a baby can still die of SIDS.

Back to Sleep.

Always place the babies on their back when they are put to bed. Statistics have shown that placing a baby to sleep on its back is the greatest risk reducer.

No Smoking around baby.

Keep the baby away from all sources of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoke. Pregnant women should not smoke or be exposed to second-hand smoke. This factor not only reduces the risk of SIDS but of many other possible health issues that can develop with the baby. Stop smoking!

Do not let the baby get too hot.

A good rule-of-thumb is to use one more layer of clothes than you are wearing. You can check if the baby is too hot by touching the back of their neck. If they are sweating or wet, then they are too hot. Avoid putting too many blankets on your baby when they are in bed.

Breastfeed your baby.

There are many physiological and psychological advantages to breastfeeding your baby. It also may provide some protection against SIDS.