Child health professionals have cautioned that using blankets to cover infants raises the likelihood of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a heartbreaking occurrence in which a seemingly healthy newborn suddenly passes away.
Pediatricians have also indicated that blocking a baby’s airways with items such as pillows, toys, scarves, or other materials could be lethal within just four minutes.
They noted that this contributes to the global issue of infant mortality, which accounted for 2.3 million deaths of children under one year old during the first 20 days of life in 2022, including instances linked to SIDS, as reported by the World Health Organization.
The specialists expressed concern that these practices jeopardize infants’ lives, emphasizing that insufficient oxygen for a baby for just four minutes can be extremely dangerous.
These warnings underscore the critical need to follow safe sleep practices to safeguard vulnerable infants and decrease the occurrences of this tragic condition.
The 2014 estimate from the World Bank indicated that Nigeria’s infant mortality rate stood at 72 per 1,000 live births, a figure that is unacceptably high and has a documented correlation with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
According to Boston Children’s Hospital in the United States, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome refers to the unexplained death of an infant under the age of one following a comprehensive investigation, which includes an autopsy, a death scene examination, and a review of medical history.
The hospital added that this syndrome is sometimes referred to as crib death due to its association with sleep, often occurring when the infant is sleeping in a crib.
“SIDS is the primary cause of death for infants aged one month to one year in the United States. Ninety percent of SIDS cases happen within the first six months of life, with a peak incidence between one and four months,” stated Boston Children’s Hospital.
In exclusive interviews with NAIJATRAFFIC, pediatricians emphasized the necessity for robust public health initiatives aimed at educating parents and caregivers on prevention methods.
The experts insisted that ensuring infants sleep on a firm mattress without loose bedding, pillows, or plush toys is vital, and they also advised against the practice of ‘bed-sharing.’
Dr. Adefunke Babatola, a Consultant Pediatrician at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, confirmed that covering infants with clothing or introducing soft materials, particularly silk, into the baby’s sleeping area heightens the risk of SIDS.
Babatola warned, “It is dangerous and could lead to sudden infant death syndrome. Keeping wrappers, clothes, and pillows in a baby’s cot or bed poses a serious threat to a baby’s life, as these items can lead to suffocation.
“Soft clothes around babies can be particularly hazardous because they are mobile and may pull these items over their faces, leading to suffocation. The risk of sudden death is heightened if the material obstructs airflow. Silk, for example, can prevent air from passing through, increasing the likelihood of SIDS.
“In just four minutes, depending on the material, a baby could die due to lack of oxygen. Additionally, if a baby rolls over and places their face on the bedding, this too can cause suffocation and result in death. The short duration of struggle before suffocation makes it crucial to ensure a safe sleep environment for infants.”
Advising mothers, she said, “Currently, mothers are encouraged to share the same bed with their babies rather than using a separate cot. This practice is becoming common in many hospitals, including our own, especially in the postnatal ward.
“Sharing the bed can help with monitoring the baby, enhance breastfeeding, and strengthen the bond between the mother and baby.
“However, there is no need to use shawls or wrappers when cosleeping. Instead, mothers should focus on closely monitoring their babies to ensure their safety.
“By avoiding additional bedding and maintaining a safe sleep environment, the risk of SIDS can be minimised while fostering a secure and nurturing experience for both mother and child.”
Supporting her statement, Dr. Stanley Onah, another consultant pediatrician at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi, Anambra State, noted that swaddling babies in shawls during their early life can lead to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Onah stressed that infants should not be wrapped and left unattended in their cots, condemning these practices as hazardous.
He emphasized the importance of educating mothers to help alleviate the global impact of SIDS.
On the way forward, Onah advised, “Babies should sleep on a firm, flat surface without pillows, blankets, or other soft bedding until they are at least one year old.
“Given that babies are still very young, it is essential to wait until they are 12 months old before introducing toys, pillows, or extra clothing into their sleep environment. This approach significantly lowers the risk of SIDS and ensures a safer sleep setting for infants.
“At this age and above, babies are more capable of maneuvering and wriggling out of potential dangers and suffocation hazards. However, it is crucial to closely monitor them to ensure their safety, especially when they are sleeping alone.
“Around the one-year mark, babies are generally more adept at handling their environment, which may reduce the risk of suffocation. Nevertheless, they should still be observed regularly to ensure their sleep space remains safe and free from hazards.”
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