Sids why 2 to 4 months

The higher prevalence of SIDS in the cold winter months and in the early morning hours, when darkness is prolonged, is discussed in relation to the possible involvement of the circadian rhythm of melatonin. Abstract SIDS Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the major cause of death in young, apparently healthy, infants, yet its etiology and pathogenesis remain unknown.

It happens most often between 2 and 4 months old. SIDS and other types of sleep-related infant deaths have similar risk factors. Researchers don't know the exact cause of SIDS. Studies have shown that some babies who die from SIDS have the following:.

Problems with brain functioning. Some babies have problems with the part of the brain that helps control breathing and waking during sleep. Babies born with problems in other parts of the brain or body may also be more likely to die from SIDS. Differences in genes. Some genes and the environment may work together to increase the risk for SIDS. Problems with heart functioning.

Some studies found a link between heart function and SIDS. Some babies who die from SIDS have respiratory infections before death. SIDS happens more often during the colder months, when respiratory illnesses are more common. Most babies who die from SIDS and other sleep-related deaths have one or more risk factors.

Some risk factors can be prevented. There are many risk factors for SIDS. They may include the following:. The diagnosis of SIDS is made when the cause of death is unexplained after a full investigation. An investigation includes:. There is no way to tell which babies will die from SIDS. But known risk factors for SIDS and other sleep-related deaths can be controlled by:. Getting prenatal care. Experts believe SIDS occurs at a particular stage in a baby's development and that it affects babies vulnerable to certain environmental stresses.

This vulnerability may be caused by being born prematurely or having a low birthweight, or because of other reasons that have not been identified yet.

Environmental stresses could include tobacco smoke, getting tangled in bedding, a minor illness or a breathing obstruction. There's also an association between co-sleeping sleeping with your baby on a bed, sofa or chair and SIDS.

Babies who die of SIDS are thought to have problems in the way they respond to these stresses and how they regulate their heart rate, breathing and temperature.

Although the cause of SIDS is not fully understood, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk. Read more about reducing the risk of SIDS. Babies often have minor illnesses that you do not need to worry about. Common Concerns Some parents might worry about " flat head syndrome " positional plagiocephaly. What Is "Safe to Sleep"? Here's how parents can help reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths: Get early and regular prenatal care. Place your baby on a firm mattress to sleep, never on a pillow, waterbed, sheepskin, couch, chair, or other soft surface.

Cover the mattress with a fitted sheet and no other bedding. Keep soft objects and loose bedding out of the sleep area. Do not use bumper pads in cribs. Bumper pads can be a suffocation or strangulation hazard. Practice room-sharing without bed-sharing.

Experts recommend that infants sleep in their parents' room — but on a separate surface, like a bassinet or crib next to the bed — until the child's first birthday, or for at least 6 months, when the risk of SIDS is highest.

Breastfeed , if possible. Exclusive breastfeeding or feeding with expressed milk is most protective, but any breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. Put your baby to sleep with a pacifier during the first year of life. If your baby rejects the pacifier, don't force it. If the pacifier falls out during sleep you don't have to replace it.

If you're breastfeeding, wait until breastfeeding is firmly established. Make sure your baby does not get too warm while sleeping.