To avoid SIDS, the infamous cot death syndrome, babies and parents should share the same room for at least 6 months. This is stated in a new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in which, among the preventive factors to ensure safe sleep for newborns, there is also talk of co-sleeping.
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avoid the SIDS, the infamous cot death syndrome, children and parents should share the same room for at least 6 months. This is stated in a new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in which, among the preventive factors to ensure safe sleep for newborns, there is also talk of co-sleeping.
The report, released at the AAP national conference in San Francisco, claims that parents sharing a room with their child see reduce the risk of SIDS by 50%. In this way it is possible to better monitor the child while he sleeps but the situation is positive also because the closeness with the mother promotes breastfeeding, another natural system that has been shown, among other things, to have a preventive effect against SIDS (reduces risk by 70%).
Read also: BREAST FEEDING: ALL THE ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS FOR MOTHER AND BABY
However, pediatricians recommend sleeping in the same room but in separate beds placing the baby in a crib or cot. On the other hand, you should never fall asleep with the boy or girl on soft surfaces such as those of armchairs or sofas. These good habits should be kept for at least the first 6 months (most cot deaths occur between the first and fourth months of life and 90% in the first 6 months) but it would be better to reach one year of age when the risk of SIDS drops dramatically.
The goal is obviously to reduce the risk of sudden infant death, a tragedy that unfortunately still occurs frequently but which in most cases can be prevented by following simple rules. The causes of SIDS are not well known although there are accredited theories. Among these is the one who believes that the brains of babies of a few months are not yet developed sufficiently to be able to regulate breathing by combining it with the environment and therefore the contact with soft surfaces, plush toys, blankets, etc. or with an environment that is too hot is potentially dangerous and can promote SIDS.
"There should be no pillows, sheets, blankets or other objects that could hinder the baby's breathing or cause overheating," said the pediatricians.
It also appears that some children are more vulnerable than others to genetic factors or by physical characteristics.
Read also: CO-SLEEPING: IS SHARING A BED WITH OUR CHILDREN REALLY AS DANGEROUS AS THEY MAKE US BELIEVE?
But so how can we ensure a safe sleeping environment for the newborn? In the report of the American pediatricians we read the following advice:
• Put the baby on his back on a stable and firm surface such as that of a cradle or cot
• Avoid bedding that is too soft: pillows, duvets, etc. Do not surround the baby with soft toys
• Sharing the bedroom with parents (but not the same bed) for at least 6 months but better for the entire first year of life
• Avoid exposure of the child to smoke, alcohol and drugs
