how do crib deaths occur? can they be prevented?

Answer 1

it is unknown exactly what causes them. Some people think that they happen because babies are sometimes born slightly immature and they fall asleep and forget to breathe. Other people believe that the baby gets suffocated by something. There are several things that have been proven to reduce the risk of this happening. Baby sleeps on back never on stomach or side, don't use any pillows or heavy blankets. Keep the bedroom cool, not to warm or cold, and use a very firm matress

Answer 2

There is some thought that crib death may be caused by flame retardants in the mattresses, which is why crib death rates go down when babies are placed on their backs rather than their stomachs. Other countries have had success with campeigns to wrap the mattresses rather than to place babies on their backs for sleep.

SIDS occurs more often in boys than girls. SIDS also occurs more often in homes where there is smoking, in babies who are formula fed, and in babies with low birth weight, among other risk factors. Co-sleeping is also thought to prevent it, though there is controversy among the recommendation of cosleeping (The AAP actually recommends against cosleeping but for pacifier use at night and sleeping in parent's room).

Answer 3

No one is quite sure how it occurs. Some say it's because the baby is on it's back, some say it's because he's on his front.....

On May 13, 1994 I put my 3 month old son down on his back in his crib to sleep. 20 minutes later my wife wandered into his room to gaze at him and he was white as a sheet except for a bloody froth around his nose. They claimed it was SIDS, but I thik that is a catch-all if they cannot find a true reason for the death. Local law treated us like murderers for 4 months afterwards too...

Answer 4

They are now saying that SIDs is caused by the baby falling into such a deep sleep that it cant wake up when somethings wrong. I've learned that putting your baby to sleep with a pacifier doesnt let them fall that deep into sleep because the sucking motion keeps them semi-alert.

Also, dont put any sort of bedding (except a crib sheet) into the bed, dont put up a bumper pad, recieving blanket or stuffed animals.

I've hear too, that if a baby sleeps with its face close to something she ends up inhaling more carbon dioxide out of her used breath, that could be the cause of SIDs. Any amount of carbon dioxide besides what is used to expell her breath, in her system can be fatal.

Answer 5

crib deaths are known as SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Although they cannot be prevented there are measure that you can put in place that can help decrease the chance of SIDS happening to your child.

-lay your baby on its back to sleep
-don't smoke near the baby, and if you do change your clothes (or have a smoking jacket), and wash your hands before touching the baby
-don't have pillows or stuffed animals in the crib

the website that is listed below will give you a nice overview of SIDS and measures to take to help decrease the chances of it.

http://www.sids.org/

Answer 6

They don't really know, but some experts believe that an infant's respiratory system, being immature, sometimes forgets to breath when in a deep sleep...kind of like sleep apnea. Young babies find it difficult to sleep for long periods. This could be why it is so rare. Other theories include tummy sleeping which can make baby suffocate. Breastfed babies sleep lighter, and I heard that there are lower rates of SIDs among babies that are nursed.

20 years ago, my mom's best friend lost her sweet, darling baby girl to SIDs when she was 7 months old. It was so sad.

Answer 7

Crib death is also called SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Many people believe that cosleeping can lower the rates of SIDS. Just be sure to follow safe cosleeping guidelines.

Answer 8

like as in babies? for babies,they can suffocate if they're layed down on their stomachs.you can't have certain objects in the cribs...