This sudden and mostly unexplained death has been around probably since the beginning of time, with it already being reported in the Bible (Kings 1, Chapter 3). Despite this there is still no concrete evidence as to what the cause of 'cot death' is.
Until 1969 'cot death' was not a recognised cause of this devastating event, and babies who died without warning were diagnosed as suffering from pneumonia, suffocation or inhalation of vomit, and it was only in 1971 that SIDS became a notifiable form of death.

Eventhough the chances of a baby dying from SIDS is very small, approximately 2 in every 1 000 and even lower in healthier infants, there is a high risk for those infants who have survived a life threatening event, where breathing stopped and resuscitation was necessary and this wasn't related to accident or injury.

What causes "Cot Death"

There have been no findings on the exact cause of SIDS, but it does seem more prominent in babies whose mothers smoked or suffered from severe anaemia during pregnancy. Suspicion also has it that heredity plays a major role, as there does seem to be a slight increase in the risk among siblings of 'cot death' victims, but again this is still being researched. SIDS seems to be more prevalent among boy babies and occurs more often among the black race than it does with whites but this isn't clear whether it is due to genetic factors or due to economic irregularities, although it does seem to be more common amongst the impoverished.

During a British survey it was found that overheating could play a part in the sudden deaths of infants, so by swaddling your baby in too many blankets and letting her sleep in a heated room, only adds to her discomfort. The risk is even greater, when suffering from a fever you overdress him. This study also revealed that SIDS is more likely to occur in babies that are left to sleep on their stomachs. In this position a baby loses very little heat, and is unable to free himself of any bedding by waving his arms or legs, so it is suggested that he sleep on his side with a rolled-up nappy supporting his back. Always check to see if your baby is of the right temperature, and adjust his bedding accordingly.

What to do if your baby stops breathing:

Get medical assistance immediately - If there is no response from you baby, while waiting for help to arrive - give resuscitation - remembering to breathe into his nose and not his mouth.
Cot death seems more likely to occur in infants that are suffering from some sort of illness, and it is vital to be on the look out for any warning signs that may mean she is seriously ill.
These symptoms are all very serious, and even if you notice them in the middle of the night it is still wise to contact your doctor immediately.

• battles to breathe
• is very pale and her body is limp
• shows little or no awareness of her surroundings
• her cry is very high pitched or extremely weak and muffled
• large amount of blood present in her bowels
• raised temperature
• significant decrease in passing fluid
• coughs-up dark green fluid
  
   

Back to A-Z Listing of Diseases and Disorders