What is Cot Death and What Can You Do About It?
Cot death is a term used in the medical field to refer to a condition in which an infant dies in a cot. The condition can occur in any infant but is most common in the first few weeks of life. This condition can occur as a result of sudden death in infancy (SUDI) or as a result of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Despite all the research, the cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) remains a mystery. However, it is important to know that there are things you can do to reduce your baby’s risk.
One of the best ways to avoid SIDS is to place your baby in a cot. This is especially important for preterm babies.
Other tips to reduce your baby’s risk of sleep-related infant deaths include sleeping on their back and keeping soft objects away from the crib. These measures are not guaranteed to decrease your baby’s risk of SIDS, but they can certainly help.
Researchers have also found that babies with respiratory infections before they die are more likely to die from SIDS. This may be a sign of a problem with the brain’s breathing control system.
Another way to reduce your baby’s risk is to make sure your baby receives all the recommended vaccines. Many infants receive multiple vaccines during the first six months of their lives.
Research has also shown that babies with brain defects are more likely to die from SIDS. These brain defects affect the way the baby breathes and arouses from sleep.
The Triple Risk Model, which is used to determine the risk of SIDS, involves three factors. These factors include the environment, genetics, and the baby’s vulnerable state.
Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI)
Approximately 40 to 60 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly every year in New Zealand. These deaths can affect the whole family, including the mother and father, siblings, and grandparents.
The causes of these unexpected infant deaths remain unknown. However, research has shown that inherited metabolic disorders (IMD) are a significant cause of SUDI. They may be underdiagnosed in fewer specialist centers. Alternatively, these disorders may be easier to diagnose at a necropsy.
SUDI is associated with many different risk factors. Some of these factors are modifiable. For example, breastfeeding can reduce the risk. However, smoking while pregnant can increase the risk. The risk can also increase because of the age of the baby or the environment in which the baby sleeps.
International case-control studies have consistently shown that socioeconomic status is a risk factor. In the United States, the rate of SUDI is higher among infants born to lower-income families. A systematic review of studies on the relationship between socioeconomic status and SUDI identified 52 studies in 16 countries. These studies were classified by whether they demonstrated an association between SUDI and social disadvantage. The studies were then reviewed for trends or gradients.
In most cases, a postmortem examination is required to identify the cause of death. Although some sudden unexpected infant deaths are attributed to a minor infection, a definitive diagnosis of SUDI is essential. The diagnosis can help with prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling. It may also prevent unnecessary criminal investigations.
Genetics
Approximately 2,400 unexpected deaths occur annually in the US. While researchers can’t claim to have solved the puzzle, they have come up with a list of dos and don’ts that can help mitigate risk. In the UK, the number of unexpected deaths is higher. As the name implies, the best way to minimize the plight is to keep a close eye on the baby. In a nutshell, it’s all about safety, including avoiding smoking, sharing a bed with a new baby, and keeping a close eye on the sex and age of the baby. This may sound like a chore, but when you’re the proud new parent of an infant, it’s hard to keep on top of it all.
The latest buzz is in the form of an e-book titled “The Best and the Worst: Sudden Infant Death in Children.” The e-book has the name of a former British prime minister on the title page, but it isn’t clear whether the book is still in print or not. The e-book argues that a combination of a slew of new research studies will shed new light on the mystery of cot death, which has plagued mothers and fathers alike for decades.
Sleeping practices
Ensure your infant is sleeping in a safe environment by following safe sleeping practices. These include placing your baby on his or her back and avoiding sleeping with soft bedding or objects. Also, make sure your baby’s sleep area is completely empty.
The best sleeping environment for an infant is a flat surface covered in a fitted sheet, and the mattress should be firm and flat. There should be no nooks or crannies in the bed and the bed head should be raised. This can reduce energy expenditure and unnecessary movements. An elevated bed head can also be used when an infant requires mechanical ventilation, which can help reduce unnecessary movements.
Babies should also not be co-sleeping with adults or other children. Bed sharing is an important risk factor for sleep-related deaths. The infant’s risk of strangulation or falling out of bed is also increased.
Caregivers should also be trained on safe sleep practices. These include placing babies on their backs for every sleep. This helps reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Sleeping on their sides, tummies, or in a bed with another child also increases the risk of SUDI.
Covering the baby’s face
Putting the baby in the cot without covering the baby’s face is not a good idea. The baby may end up re-breathing carbon dioxide which could be fatal. If you are worried that your baby could suffer from suffocation, it may be a good idea to use a safe sleeping bag. Besides, you might want to consider other safety measures, such as keeping soft toys and other baby paraphernalia out of the cot.
You should also remove soft bedding from the cot, as this can interfere with your baby’s breathing. There are also sleep sacks on the market that can help keep your baby warm and dry. Aside from the bed, you should also dress your baby in the most comfortable attire possible. It is a good idea to dress in natural fabrics, such as cotton, which is more breathable.
The best sleeping sacks should be able to keep the baby dry, warm, and comfortable. Besides, the best sacks should be free of hoods, velcro, and other dreaded baby accouterments. It should also have armholes and a full sleeve, which can prevent your baby from getting tangled in the straps. You should also consider buying a cellular cotton blanket with holes for airflow, which is also a good idea.
Avoiding cigarette smoke
During pregnancy, cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome. Also known as cot death, SIDS occurs when babies are sleeping and are unexpectedly killed.
The risks of SIDS are higher for babies born prematurely and babies that have low birth weight. Smoking during pregnancy also decreases the oxygen supply to the unborn baby. The mother’s health is also at risk.
SIDS can be prevented if the mother avoids smoking during pregnancy and after giving birth. Also, parents should not allow others to smoke around their babies. If a person has to smoke, he or she should do so outside.
Secondhand smoke, also known as passive smoke, contains tar and toxic chemicals. It affects the baby’s lungs during the first six months of life. In addition, secondhand smoke increases the risk of colds and bronchitis. Also, babies exposed to smoke have an increased risk of other diseases.
The first step to avoiding cigarette smoke is to quit smoking. A doctor can suggest support services in your area that can help you quit. You should also avoid smoking in public places and keep your home smoke-free. You should also encourage other people to quit smoking.
Care of the next infant (CONI) schemes
Those who have lost a baby to cot death can benefit from the Care of the Next Infant (CONI) scheme. This scheme offers bereaved parents specialist advice and support. The scheme is usually coordinated by health visitors. The CONI coordinator will work alongside your public health nurse. They will provide you with information and guidance on a wide range of issues, such as safer bedding, smoke-free environments, and sleeping products. They will also liaise with your family’s GP. This can provide continuity of care and help you develop strategies to support your bereaved family.
The CONI scheme is available in most areas of Wales and England. It is also available to bereaved parents in Northern Ireland. It is an intensive home visiting program designed to reduce the risk of SIDS in families at high risk. It is a comprehensive package of care that can be evaluated for effectiveness. Depending on your circumstances, the program can last up to six months.
The program also includes weekly weigh-ins to track the development of your child. It is important to get an accurate explanation for the natural but unexplained death of your baby. This can give you reassurance and help you maintain a strong, stable attachment to your child.
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Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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