SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2016 Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment
Top Cited Papers
Open Access
- 24 October 2016
- journal article
- review article
- Published by American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in Pediatrics
- Vol. 138 (5), e20162938
- https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2938
Abstract
Approximately 3500 infants die annually in the United States from sleep-related infant deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS; International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision [ICD-10], R95), ill-defined deaths (ICD-10 R99), and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed (ICD-10 W75). After an initial decrease in the 1990s, the overall death rate attributable to sleep-related infant deaths has not declined in more recent years. Many of the modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors for SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths are strikingly similar. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a safe sleep environment that can reduce the risk of all sleep-related infant deaths. Recommendations for a safe sleep environment include supine positioning, the use of a firm sleep surface, room-sharing without bed-sharing, and the avoidance of soft bedding and overheating. Additional recommendations for SIDS reduction include the avoidance of exposure to smoke, alcohol, and illicit drugs; breastfeeding; routine immunization; and use of a pacifier. New evidence is presented for skin-to-skin care for newborn infants, use of bedside and in-bed sleepers, sleeping on couches/armchairs and in sitting devices, and use of soft bedding after 4 months of age. The recommendations and strength of evidence for each recommendation are included in this policy statement. The rationale for these recommendations is discussed in detail in the accompanying technical report (www.pediatrics.org/cgi/doi/10.1542/peds.2016-2940).Keywords
This publication has 96 references indexed in Scilit:
- SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Evidence Base for 2016 Updated Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping EnvironmentPediatrics, 2016
- NoticesJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 2009
- Supine Sleeping Position Does Not Cause Clinical Aspiration in Neonates in Hospital Newborn NurseriesArchives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 2007
- Sudden unexplained infant death in 20 regions in Europe: case control studyThe Lancet, 2004
- Infant Sleeping Position and the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in California, 1997-2000American Journal of Epidemiology, 2003
- Trends in Postneonatal Aspiration Deaths and Reclassification of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Impact of the “Back to Sleep” ProgramPediatrics, 2002
- Babies sleeping with parents: case-control study of factors influencing the risk of the sudden infant death syndrome Commentary: Cot death---the story so farBMJ, 1999
- Posture and gastro-oesophageal reflux: a case for left lateral positioningArchives of Disease in Childhood, 1997
- Environment of infants during sleep and risk of the sudden infant death syndrome: results of 1993-5 case-control study for confidential inquiry into stillbirths and deaths in infancyBMJ, 1996
- Defining the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (Sids): Deliberations of an Expert Panel Convened by the National Institute of Child Health and Human DevelopmentPediatric Pathology, 1991