Stop SIDS – sleeping solitary supine, sucking soother, stopping smoking substitutes

Abstract

The recognition of prone sleeping and maternal smoking as modifiable risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), has drastically decreased SIDS incidence. However, during the last years other factors have become necessary to consider to further reduce the risk of SIDS. Side sleeping implies a greater risk than supine sleeping but is still common. Bed sharing may increase the risk of SIDS, while use of a pacifier seems to be protective. Replacement of maternal smoking with nicotine substitutes is not harmless. To further reduce the risk of SIDS, exclusive supine sleeping should be encouraged and side sleeping discouraged. When the breast-feeding is established, a pacifier can very well be used at bedtime. Bed sharing can increase the risk of SIDS if the infant is below 2-3 months of age, especially if the mother is a smoker. Any nicotine use should be avoided during pregnancy and breast-feeding.