Advice

Why does breastfeeding lower the risk of SIDS?

Charlie Ross
Advice

Why does breastfeeding lower the risk of SIDS?

Why does breastfeeding lower the risk of SIDS?

Oftentimes, babies who succumb to SIDS have had a “minor infection” in the days before death. Infants’ immune systems are immature, and breast milk helps to provide necessary antibodies to fight infections such as RSV, which can contribute to inflammation and lead to SIDS. Breastfeeding promotes safer sleep.

Does breast milk prevent SIDS?

Any breastfeeding for 2-4 months reduces the risk of SIDS by about 40%. That means for every 10 non-breastfed babies who were going to die of SIDS, four of them would survive if all of them were breastfed instead.

How common is SIDS in breastfed babies?

A new review of recent research studies shows that infants who were breastfed were about 60% less likely to die from SIDS than infants who didn’t receive any breast milk. This protective effect increased the longer the baby was breastfed and if the baby was exclusively breastfed.

How does breastfeeding reduce the risk of SIDS?

place your baby on their back to sleep,in a cot in the same room as you,for the first 6 months

  • keep your baby’s head uncovered – their blanket should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders
  • if wearing your baby in a sling or carrier,do not cover their head with the sling material or with a muslin

    • Could swaddling Your Baby increase the risk of SIDS?

    While the overall SIDS risk was increased with swaddling, the risk was even greater when swaddled babies were placed on their stomachs to sleep, Moon said. Those infants, compared to those not swaddled, had about 13 times the risk of dying from SIDS, also known as sudden infant death syndrome, she said.

    Does breastfeeding protect against SIDS?

    Studies suggest breastfeeding reduces SIDS risk by improving a baby’s overall health and reducing potential stressors. Ways in which breastfeeding is thought to reduce the risk of SIDS: Breastfeeding boosts brain development, particularly for the central nervous system, which is essential to respiratory control during sleep.

    Do baby breathing-monitors really prevent SIDS?

    Currently, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend that parents purchase breathing monitors. Research does not support the idea that these monitors protect your child against SIDS, and some episodes of apnea can be entirely reasonable for a healthy, full-term baby.