SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS)
Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome is the sudden, unexplained death of
an infant under the age of one. It is the
leading cause of death for infants between
the ages of one month and one year.
Approximately five to seven thousand babies
in the United States die each year of SIDS.
A SIDS death generally occurs during sleep,
and most commonly occurs in babies between
the ages of two to four months. There is a
slightly greater risk of SIDS in males and
premature babies.
Most researchers believe
that babies who die of SIDS have conditions
or factors that make them vulnerable to
stresses that would not affect a normal,
healthy baby. There are a number of ways
that parents-to-be and parents can reduce
the risks of having a baby die of SIDS
including:
SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME
Shaken baby syndrome is a 100 percent
preventable condition that affects somewhere
between 1,000 and 50,000 babies each year in
the United States. The reason why that
number is so broad is that the condition is
often misdiagnosed and frequently not
reported. The syndrome occurs when a baby is
shaken forcibly enough to cause the brain to
bounce against the skull. The cause is most
often related to a non-accidental trauma or
child abuse. Symptoms of shaken baby
syndrome can range from behavioral changes
to convulsions and death. The prognosis is
generally poor as it causes permanent damage
including mental retardation and cerebral
palsy.
Most often shaken baby
syndrome is a result of a parent or child
caregiver being unable to cope with or
effectively care for a baby. They may try to
shake the baby to stop them from crying.
Shaking is never the solution to stop a baby
from crying. However, there are ways to deal
with an inconsolable crying baby including:
-
Place the baby in the
crib for a few minutes, shut the door,
and take a deep relaxing breath
-
Call a friend, neighbor,
or family member for help
-
Do something for yourself
such as take a shower, or read a
magazine
-
Change your activity.
Rearrange a cupboard, sweep the floor,
and divert your attention away from the
crying.
If you are unable to
control your actions and/or emotions because
of your baby’s crying, call your doctor or
your baby’s doctor immediately.
INFANT WATER INTOXICATION
Infant water intoxication
is the over-hydration of babies under the
age of one. A baby who drinks too much water
is at risk of developing a diluted level of
sodium in their system that could lead to
seizures, coma, and possible death.
Most babies, especially
under those under the age of nine months, do
not need to drink water. Their intake of
breast milk and/or formula is generally
sufficient for hydration. If a mother is
especially concerned about dehydration
because of fever or hot weather, should
limit water intake to no more than three
ounces at a time, only after breastfeeding
or bottle.
A baby’s brain is the most
susceptible organ to infant water
intoxication. The first symptoms can include
lethargy, confusion, twitching, and muscle
spasms. If you notice any of these symptoms,
call your baby’s doctor.
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