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更新日：2022年7月19日
Important Information about SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
What is SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)?
SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is an illness where a baby who seems perfectly healthy will suddenly die in their sleep, neither from an accident nor from suffocation. In Japan, close to 100 babies die of this illness each year.
A large proportion of these are babies from 1 to 4 months old. Most are under 1 year old. The cause is still unknown, but it seems that the main factors that increase the likelihood of SIDS result from the environment that the child is raised in.
Key points to reduce SIDS
Put them to sleep on their back
From investigations by academics, we know that babies are more likely to suffer SIDS if they sleep on their stomach. Sleeping on their stomach does not cause SIDS. But, excluding cases where they have to sleep on their stomach for medical reasons, try to put them to sleep on their back so you can see their face.
Give up smoking
Tobacco is a large factor in the occurrence of SIDS. If the mother smokes during pregnancy, it becomes harder for the baby to gain weight. It’s also bad for the respiratory center. Don’t smoke when pregnant, or smoke around pregnant women or babies.
The understanding of those around is important. Get the cooperation of smokers.
Raise your baby on breast milk for as long as possible
Raising babies on breast milk is very good for the baby. Formula milk does not cause SIDS, but try to raise your baby on breast milk for as long as possible.
Take care to...
Making sure not to leave the baby alone and ensuring that you put them on their back to sleep helps prevent accidents such as suffocation, unintentionally swallowing things, injuries, burns, and drowning in the bath.
Don’t leave the baby alone
Don’t leave the baby alone for long periods, even if they are fast asleep.
Don’t leave the baby alone in the house.
Sleep in the same room as the baby.
Sleeping arrangements
Use a firm mattress for their bedding. Don’t use a pillow.
Make sure to keep covers, towels or string off their face.
Do not leave any gauze or vinyl around the bed.
Think about where to put the baby to sleep and their bedding.
Don’t let them sleep on the sofa, even during naps during the day.