Car Seats And Sudden Infant Death

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Also Included In: Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Article Date: 26 Jul 2007 - 1:00 PST

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The new study (Côté et al, Sudden infant deaths in sitting devices) examined 508 infant deaths occurring in the province of Québec between 1991 and 2000, to investigate whether infants placed in the sitting position were more likely to die than those placed in the horizontal (lying down) position, and whether there was any additional risk to premature infants. 409 of the deaths were classified as unexplained after full and appropriate investigation.

The authors found an apparent excess of deaths among infants aged less than one month but no additional increase in risk if the infant was premature. The absolute number of deaths occurring in the sitting position was small (17 of 508 deaths, 3.3%, and 10 of 409 unexplained deaths, 2.4%) but 5 of 49 (10.2%) unexplained deaths affecting infants aged less than one month were in the sitting position. This suggests that placing very young infants (<1 month of age) in the sitting position increases risk compared with placing them in the horizontal position, whether or not the baby was born prematurely. These findings are consistent with previous studies that suggest that very young infants may experience respiratory difficulties if placed in car seats or similar devices, and that these should not be used in the home as an alternative to a cot.

The findings of the new study confirm that the safest place for a baby to sleep is in a properly designed cot or crib, on their back, and preferably in the same room as a parent or other carer. Car seats are not ideal places for safe infant sleep in the home.

If a baby is being transported in a car, he or she should be carried in a properly designed and fitted car seat, facing backwards, and be observable by a competent adult.

The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths is the UK's leading baby charity working to prevent sudden deaths and promote health. FSID funds research (nearly £10 million to date), supports bereaved families and promotes safe baby care advice.

Advice for parents to reduce the risk of cot death:

-- Cut smoking in pregnancy - fathers too! And don't let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.
-- Place your baby on the back to sleep (and not on the front or side).
-- Do not let your baby get too hot, and keep your baby's head uncovered.
-- Place your baby with their feet to the foot of the cot, to prevent them wriggling down under the covers.
-- Never sleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair.
-- The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib or cot in a room with you for the first six months.
-- It's especially dangerous for your baby to sleep in your bed if you (or your partner):
- are a smoker, even if you never smoke in bed or at home
- have been drinking alcohol
- take medication or drugs that make you drowsy
- feel very tired;
or if your baby:
- was born before 37 weeks
- weighed less than 2.5kg or 5½ lbs at birth
- is less than three months old.
-- Don't forget, accidents can happen: you might roll over in your sleep and suffocate your baby; or your baby could get caught between the wall and the bed, or could roll out of an adult bed and be injured.
-- Settling your baby to sleep with a dummy, even for naps, can reduce the risk of cot death, even if the dummy falls out while your baby is asleep.

http://www.sids.org.uk