SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, usually happens when a baby is 0-1 year old. Most of SIDS occur when a baby is sleeping, but there are also cases when the baby is awake.

Up until today, there is no definitive aetiology of SIDS. There are a number of factors that may cause this syndrome, including incorrect sleeping position (on the stomach or on the side). Incorrect sleeping position can cause SIDS because the development of a baby’s respiratory system is not yet perfect. Other contributing factors to SIDS are premature birth, exposure to cigarette smoke, and breathing problems.

Despite the multifactorial aetiology, the risk of SIDS can be lowered with exclusive breastfeeding. Based on a joint research conducted by scientists in Germany and New Zealand, exclusive breastfeeding during early childhood is essential in preventing SIDS. A study was conducted to 333 babies, categorized into 4 groups of different treatment: exclusive breastfeeding, breastfeeding plus formula feeding, formula feeding, and solid food. Babies in the exclusive breastfeeding group (breast milk was given for one month) have 50% lower chance of suffering from SIDS.

The study further explains that babies from age 2-5 months old are more susceptible to SIDS. Thus, parents are recommended to give exclusive breastfeeding until a baby is at least 6 months old. Besides that, exclusive breastfeeding is also related to lower risk of gastrointestinal infection, respiratory infection, and morbidity. Compared to formula-fed babies, breastfed babies are also more likely to wake up from sleep when there is something wrong, thus lowering the risk of SIDS due to an incorrect sleeping position.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pregnancyandbaby

Source(s):

• Vennemann, M. M., Bajanowski, T., Brinkmann, B. et al (2017). Does Breastfeeding Reduce The Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?. Peadiatrics 123 (3) 406-410