A recent study from the National Institutes of Health finds that babies who died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) have abnormalities in their brainstem. The brainstem helps control breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and wakefulness.
The study found that the abnormalities are with the brainstem’s ability to recycle the brain chemical serotonin, which assists in communication among brain cells. Serotonin also helps regulate mood, breathing and blood pressure.
The authors continue to recommend that caregivers place babies on their backs every time they go to sleep. Other recommendations from Back to Sleep Campaign at www.nichd.nih.gov include:
♣ Place your baby on a firm surface to sleep; don’t use pillows, sheepskins or other soft surfaces.
♣ Keep toys, as well as soft and loose bedding, out of the crib.
♣ Don’t allow smoking around your baby.
♣ Have your baby sleep separately in a crib, bassinet, or bedside so-sleeper, not in bed or on the couch with you.
♣ Consider using a pacifier to help your baby get to sleep. Breastfeeding mothers should wait a month or until the baby is used to breastfeeding.
♣ Dress your baby in clothing you find comfortable in that temperature. Don’t over-bundle since babies can overheat.
♣ Let your baby lay on his or her tummy when awake and when someone is watching, which will help prevent flat spots from developing on the head.
The agency also recommends NOT using home monitors or products that say they reduce the chance of SIDS.
Jean Santiago writes about health-related issues. She lives with her husband and two children in Bowie.