Sleeping in the parents' bed promotes sudden infant death

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MunichSudden infant death is a nightmare for many parents. A simple measure could significantly reduce the risk of this: Babies should sleep in their own crib - especially when they are still very young.

It is actually a cozy picture: the parents sleep on the left and right at night and in the middle, in the “visitor's gap”, the infant rests, apparently safe and secure. American researchers have now found out that this is not such a good idea. Babies who sleep in their parents' bed are 69 percent more likely to fall victim to sudden infant death syndrome.

This came out of an analysis that examined 8,207 cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome between 2004 and 2012. This was especially true for younger children aged 0 to 3 months - here, as many as 73.8 percent of the deceased children had slept in their parents' bed. The researchers say nothing about the reason for this. However, previous studies suggest that children get overheated more easily in their parents' bed at night. If the cardiovascular regulation then fails, it can contribute to sudden infant death.

An extra bed within easy reach

According to the scientists, the safest place for the baby is actually in the parents' room, but more likely in a crib or an extra bed next to the marriage bed. "In addition, do not put stuffed animals, pillows or other objects in the bed," advise the researchers. Because in older babies (4 to 12 months) the prone position and objects such as toys or blankets in the lying area were the greatest risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome. The bigger babies like to roll on their own at night. Then there shouldn't be anything there that could possibly block your breathing. If you also want to minimize the likelihood of sudden infant death, you should also stop smoking and avoid alcohol and drugs. It is also advisable to dress the baby lightly at night and not too warm. A sleeping bag is best suited as a blanket replacement.

More boys become victims

Sudden infant death syndrome occurs mainly in the first year of life and means that children die without warning and without any externally recognizable cause. 60 percent of those affected are boys. As more and more information about possible risk factors becomes known, the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome has decreased in recent years. According to the Federal Statistical Office in Germany, 131 children died within the first year of life in 2012. (lh)

Source: J.D. Colvin et al. Sleep Environment Risks for Younger and Older Infants; Pediatrics 2014 doi: 10.1542 / peds.2014-0401

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