S.I.D.S.: The Tobacco Connection

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, otherwise known as "SIDS" or crib death, refers to the sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy child younger than one year of age. The national incidence of infant death due to SIDS is 400 per year in Canada, however, Aboriginal infants experience a risk three to four times higher. Although the precise cause of SIDS is unknown, a number of contributing factors that place infants at an increased risk for SIDS have been identified, including:

• Exposure by the infant to second hand smoke either during pregnancy or after birth.
• A baby's sleeping position - babies who sleep on their stomach have an increased risk of SIDS compared to babies who sleep on their back or sides
• Overdressing of infants, leading to overheating

There is further evidence that breastfeeding, with its signigicant nutritional, immunologial and psychological benefits to the developing child, may help prevent SIDS.

Reprinted by permission: Bcindan, Union of Ontario Indians, Health Program