The rate of SIDS deaths per 100,000 live births has declined in Australia since the beginning of national public education campaigns about risk factors associated with SIDS in 1991 (AIHW 2012). Between 2007 and 2017 the rate declined from 28 per 100,000 to 6 in 2017, following a peak in 2009 of 32 per 100,000.
It has found that the incidence of SIDS has fallen by as much as 85 per cent since 1990. The incidence of SUDI in Australia as a whole is also on the decline. Currently, it is about the same as in other Western countries – around one in every 3,000 births, or 130 babies each year.
The key risk factors associated with SUDI in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants are: low birthweight. premature birth. maternal nutrition during pregnancy.
In 2020, the SUID rate was 92.9 deaths per 100,000 live births. In recent years, SUID is being classified less often as SIDS, and more often as ASSB or unknown cause. SIDS rates declined considerably from 130.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 38.4 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020.
More than 90% of all SIDS deaths occur before 6 months of age. 72% of SIDS deaths occur in Months 1–4. To reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death: Always place baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night.
SIDS has no symptoms or warning signs. Babies who die of SIDS seem healthy before being put to bed. They show no signs of struggle and are often found in the same position as when they were placed in the bed.
White noise reduces the risk of SIDS.
We DO know that white noise reduces active sleep (which is the sleep state where SIDS is most likely to occur).
Even though the thought can be deeply unsettling, experts agree that there aren't any warning signs for SIDS. And since SIDS isn't diagnosed until after an infant has died and the death has been investigated, you can't catch SIDS while it's happening and stop it, for instance, by performing CPR.
Sleeping position: Sleeping on the stomach is a major risk factor for SIDS.
We conclude that there has been a further fall in SIDS following the initial considerable decline in SIDS following the recommendation to avoid placing infants prone to sleep, and this is likely to be due to the substantial increase in the proportion of infants placed to sleep on their back rather than on their side.
Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the occurrence of SIDS by over 50 percent by improving the immune system, promoting brain growth, reducing reflux and a variety of other factors.
SIDS is most common at 2-4 months of age when the cardiorespiratory system of all infants is in rapid transition and therefore unstable. So, all infants in this age range are at risk for dysfunction of neurological control of breathing.
Creating a Safe Sleep Area for Babies
Use a firm, flat (not at an angle or inclined) sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib, covered by a fitted sheet. Keep your baby's sleep area (for example, a crib or bassinet) in the same room where you sleep, ideally until your baby is at least 6 months old.
SIDS usually occurs when a baby is asleep, although it can occasionally happen while they're awake. Parents can reduce the risk of SIDS by not smoking while pregnant or after the baby is born, and always placing the baby on their back when they sleep.
Studies have shown that the increased SIDS risk associated with colder temperatures in the winter can be explained by excessive clothing and overwrapping of infants.
Infants at the age when SIDS occurs quite frequently spend most of their sleep in a stage known as rapid eye movement or REM sleep. This sleep stage is characterized by the dysregulation of various mechanosensory airway and chemosensory autonomous reflexes that are critical for survival (18, 19).
As a rule of thumb, babies should not be exposed to noise levels over 60 decibels. The noise level recommended for hospital nurseries is actually lower, at 50 dB. For reference, a quiet conversation is between 50 and 55 dB and an alarm clock is 80 dB.
While having a baby sleep on mother's (or father's) chest whilst parents are awake has not been shown to be a risk, and such close contact is in fact beneficial, sleeping a baby on their front when unsupervised gives rise to a greatly increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) also known as cot death.
Babies who usually sleep on their backs but who are then placed to sleep on their stomachs, such as for a nap, are at very high risk for SIDS. Sleep in an adult bed with parents, other children, or pets; this situation is especially dangerous if: The adult smokes, has recently had alcohol, or is tired.
Types of SIDS risk factors
For example, babies who are born preterm (premature) or with a low birth weight (under 5 lbs. 8 oz.) are 2 to 3 times more likely to die of SIDS or other sleep-related deaths. We also know that your baby is at higher risk if you smoked or drank alcohol during pregnancy.
Did the baby suffer? Most of the SIDS babies appear to die undisturbed in their sleep. Usually, at the time no one is even aware of the event. It is likely that such deaths are without pain or suffering; no outcry or struggles have been reported.
SIDS is not the same as suffocation and is not caused by suffocation. SIDS is not caused by vaccines, immunizations, or shots.
Conclusions: SIDS can happen at any time of the day and relatively quickly. Parents need to be made aware that placing infants supine and keeping them under supervision is equally important for day-time sleeps.