Preventing sudden unexpected death in infancy - information for parents and caregivers

Preventing sudden unexpected death in infancy
Information for parents and caregivers

Date of publication: April 2008

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Following the advice given here can help reduce the risk of SUDI.

Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) used to be called SIDS or cot death.

No smoking during pregnancy

Smoking during pregnancy is an important cause of SUDI because smoking damages babies before they are born. It is important to stop smoking as soon as possible after a pregnancy has been confirmed. Many
women find that it is easier to give up smoking when they are pregnant. A midwife or health practitioner can help pregnant women and other household members who smoke quit smoking. A phone call to Quitline (0800 778 778) can help people to stop smoking.

Sleeping position – Back to sleep

Put babies down to sleep on their backs.
Babies who sleep on their backs are less likely to get their faces accidentally covered by sheets or bedding.

Sleeping environment

Room sharing
The recommended sleeping environment is having baby sleeping in a cot or basinette near the parents’ bed.

Babies who sleep in the same room as parents for the first six months are at lower risk of SUDI.

Co-sleeping
Co-sleeping (a parent who sleeps with their baby in bed) is dangerous when:

the baby’s mother has smoked during pregnancy
the adult in bed with the baby has been drinking, or taking drugs or medicines that might reduce their awareness of the baby
the co-sleeping adult is excessively tired.

There is also a small increase in the risk of SUDI from co-sleeping for babies less than three months old, whether or not the mother smoked during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding – ‘Breast is best’

Breastfeeding has many benefits for mothers and babies. Breastfeeding helps to keep babies healthy and well.

Availability

This brochure is available to download in PDF format from the Child, Youth and Mortality Review Committee website (www.cymrc.health.govt.nz)

This publication is also available in hard copy. You can order a copy by emailing moh@wickliffe.co.nz or calling 04 496 2277 quoting HE number 1919. Please let us know your name, your physical address and how many copies you would like.

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