Unless you’ve been hiding out in some remote jungle for the last 50 years, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard a little something about SIDS. Well, you’ve probably heard a lot of something about SIDS, actually.

SIDS is an acronym for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and before scientists slapped a label on it, it was once commonly referred to as crib death. SIDS occurs when an infant passes away suddenly, without warning or apparent cause. Usually, this happens when an infant is asleep.

Is SIDS Real?

There has been some intense debate regarding whether or not SIDS is actually a “real” phenomenon. However, the majority of scientists and pediatricians agree that SIDS is indeed real. In fact, in 2008, SIDS was considered to be the third leading cause of infant deaths in the United States, with almost 2,500 infants ruled as SIDS victims.

Since there is more than a good possibility that SIDS is real, it should not be taken lightly or dismissed.

What Are Some Causes and Risk Factors of SIDS?

Although scientists and doctors have been working diligently to try to find a cause of SIDS, a true cause of this disorder is unknown as of yet. However, there are several theories regarding the causes of SIDS.

• Dysfunction in the Brain – Some doctors believe that SIDS occurs because the arcuate nucleus is either malformed or not fully formed. This is the part of the brain that controls a person’s breathing and waking instincts. A problem with this portion of the brain will cause an infant to stay asleep, even when he isn’t getting enough oxygen, and he therefore suffocates.
• Soft Surfaces and Bedding – There has been some evidence that points to soft bedding, such as squishy mattresses and fluffy blankets, might contribute to SIDS.
• Stomach Sleeping – Numerous studies have shown that infants who sleep on their stomachs are more likely to suffer from SIDS. Some scientists believe that stomach sleeping in infancy puts undue pressure on an infant’s chest and respiratory system.

There are also several risk factors for SIDS, and some infants may be more prone to suffering this fate than others. For instance, boys are slightly more susceptible to succumbing to SIDS than girls, and African American and Native American infants are more likely to fall victim to SIDS than Caucasian infants. Also, although SIDS can occur at any time during infancy, it is more likely to occur between two and four months old.

How Can I Prevent SIDS?

Although some experts claim that co-sleeping is more dangerous than crib sleeping, Dr. Sears disagrees. In fact, he and several other pediatricians even state that proper co-sleeping can even help reduce the risk of SIDS.

Of course, he does urge attachment parents to make wise and safe choices when they sleep with their little ones. Here are a few tips to help prevent SIDS during co-sleeping:

• Never practice co-sleeping when you are extremely fatigued, or under the influence of any mind altering substances, including alcohol or prescription drugs. Doing so can make you less aware of your infant and less likely to wake up when he needs you.
• Always place your infant on his back when sleeping.
• Monitor your infants breathing, and gently rouse him when he quits breathing or his breathing seems “off”. This may sound difficult, but no worries. It will quickly become second nature while co-sleeping, and you’ll eventually start doing without even waking up yourself.
• If you place your infant in your family bed, make sure you have a large mattress – in fact, a king-size mattress would be optimal. This helps ensure that there is ample room on the bed for both parents and their ittle bundles of joy.
• Only practice co-sleeping on a firm mattress. Overly soft mattresses or mattresses with pillow-top covers should be avoided.
• The only bedding on a family bed should be a tight fitting fitted sheet, a firm pillow, and possibly a light blanket. During colder months, dress yourself and your child in warm comfy pajamas to prevent chills.
• Invest in a bedside co-sleeper, if the above suggestions aren’t enough to ease your SIDS fears. These handy little devices are bassinet or crib-like extensions that attach securely to the side of your bed.