Health Experts Warn: Sleeping Babies At Risk Of Suffocation From Blankets

Health Experts Warn: Sleeping Babies At Risk Of Suffocation From Blankets

Paediatricians have issued a warning that covering babies with blankets significantly increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a condition in which a healthy infant dies unexpectedly. They also cautioned that using pillows, toys, shawls, or other items that can obstruct a baby’s airways could be fatal in as little as four minutes…….CONTINUE READING 

The specialists highlighted that this practice contributes to the global issue of infant mortality. In 2022, according to the World Health Organization, 2.3 million children under the age of one died within their first 20 days of life, with many cases linked to SIDS. They stressed that lack of oxygen for just a few minutes can be deadly for infants.

These warnings underscore the importance of following safe sleep guidelines to protect vulnerable babies and reduce the occurrence of SIDS. Nigeria’s infant mortality rate in 2014 was estimated at 72 per 1,000 live births, a figure strongly associated with SIDS.

Boston Children’s Hospital in the United States defines SIDS as the unexplained death of an infant under one year of age, typically occurring during sleep. They noted that 90% of SIDS cases happen within the first six months of life, with the highest risk between one and four months.

Paediatricians speaking to *PUNCH Healthwise* emphasized the need for public health efforts to educate parents and caregivers on prevention strategies. They recommended ensuring that infants sleep on a firm mattress without loose bedding, pillows, or toys. Bed-sharing, while beneficial for monitoring, should avoid the use of shawls or wrappers.

Dr. Adefunke Babatola, a Consultant Paediatrician at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, warned against using soft materials, such as silk, in a baby’s sleeping area. “These items can lead to suffocation and increase the risk of sudden infant death,” she said, adding that even a few minutes of oxygen deprivation could be fatal.

She advised mothers to avoid unnecessary bedding and to monitor their babies closely. Sharing a bed with infants is becoming more common, particularly in hospitals, but it should be done with caution to ensure the baby’s safety.

Dr. Stanley Onah, a Consultant Paediatrician at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, echoed Babatola’s concerns, advising that babies should sleep on a firm, flat surface without pillows or blankets until they are at least one year old. He emphasized that waiting until the baby is older to introduce bedding or toys significantly reduces the risk of SIDS.

Both experts agree that educating parents is key to reducing the global burden of infant mortality related to SIDS and creating safer sleep environments for babies.