Policy considerations in occupational therapy practice

SIDS Prevention

The first and foremost of warnings which accompanies research on the prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is that which asserts there is no guaranteed mode of prevention. As mysterious as this condition is, it is often equally as hard to predict. That said, the research available to us does identify certain steps that can be taken to improve the chances of preventing this terrible occurrence. These fall into the categories of prenatal prevention and modes of prevention relating to the infant's sleeping situation.

The source provided by Sears (2006) identifies the womb environment as a key predictor of infant health. Connecting some cases of SIDS to the infants "immature development of cardiorespiratory control mechanisms," Sears indicates that the pregnant mother should prevent exposure to smoke or other potentially harmful carcinogens while expecting. (Sears, 1) Sears goes on to offer several practical recommendations for promoting a healthy womb environment, with specific focus on receiving regular prenatal care and physician attention. This can help to preemptively identify any negative environmental conditions that might prevent the fetus from coming to full development. Similarly, Sears indicates that diet and exercise can be an important factor in preventing the development of SIDS, contending that "good nutrition during pregnancy lowers the risk of SIDS in two ways: it lowers the risk of prematurity, and it prevents anemia. With anemia, there are fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen to the baby. Anything that lowers oxygen to the baby increases the risk of SIDS." (p. 1)

Our research goes on to indicate that there are steps of prevention which can and should also be taken following birth and relate to the positioning of the child to prevent breathing difficulty while sleeping during these delicate first months. Accordingly, CBNR (2007) indicates that ensuring the infant sleeps on his or her back can have a determinedly positive preventative impact. The source indicates that 30 to 40 fewer cases of SIDS have been reported since a 1994 public information campaign spread knowledge of this safer sleeping posture. In addition to sleeping the infant on his or her back, CBNR reports that steps must be taken to ensure that the child's respiration and circulation are not constricted in any way. CBNR indicates that "over bundling, and consequently overheating, has been shown to increase SIDS risk. Overheating may disrupt the normal neurological control of sleep and breathing." (p. 1)

Research has also increasingly pointed to the surface and surroundings of the inside of the crib as areas where steps can be taken toward prevention. WebMD (2010) indicates that the crib should be free from any loose objects such as toys, stuffed animals, loose pillows, loose blankets or sheets. Essentially, the parent will want to leave nothing in the crib which the infant, while unattended, can use to accidentally smother itself. Additionally, the surface of the best is to be flat and firm. Soft surfaces increase the risk of the child rolling onto his face and suffocating.

A final consideration, offered by ASI (2010) is that the new parent will want to keep the child close by as it develops through the first stages of sleep habitation. ASI advises to "keep your baby's crib in the parents' room until the infant is at least 6 months of age. Studies clearly show that infants are safest when their beds are close to their mothers." (p. 1)