Attention Sudden Infant Death Always observe free airways

Special care should be taken during the first days of life of an infant
Although fewer and fewer children in Germany suffer Sudden Infant Deaths, the danger is still present. Particularly in the first two days of life, the risk of dying from sudden infant death or experiencing an apparently life-threatening event is particularly high, warns the Association of Paediatricians (BVKJ).

In the first two days of life, according to the experts, there are still risk factors that parents later deliberately avoid due to an improved education. This leads to an increased risk of sudden infant death in the first few days of life of the child. Parents should pay particular attention to the free respiratory system, warns the professional association of paediatricians, citing a technical contribution in the "Monatsschrift paediatrics".

In order to minimize the risk of Sudden Infant Deaths, parents should pay more attention to their free airways, especially in their first few days of life. (Image: allari / fotolia.com)

Blocked airways often cause the Sudden Kindestodes
The paper shows that Sudden Infant Deaths have become much less common thanks to primary prevention, in particular the education of parents about avoidable risk factors. In the apparently life-threatening events (ALE), the incidence remains constant with approximately 2/1000 live births. "Little is known that ALE and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome can already occur directly postnatal," the authors emphasize. Above all, the laying of the upper respiratory tract often plays a role here. In neonates, therefore, "postnatal close monitoring" is appropriate and "parents should be advised to always look for free airways in their child."

Sleep on Mom's stomach a risk
For example, if the baby is lying prone on the mother, breathing through the mother's chest may be obstructed, according to the BVKJ. Often, the mothers are exhausted and fall asleep with the baby on her stomach without noticing that the child is not getting enough air. The child itself can not yet respond appropriately to the shortness of breath. Therefore, mothers and fathers should always make sure that the respiratory tract of the newborn is free. Hans-Jürgen Nentwich, pediatrician and member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the BVKJ. In addition, the maternal body temperature can cause overheating, which is also considered a risk factor for Sudden Infant Deaths.

Minimize risk of Sudden Infant Deaths
To minimize the risk, the BVKJ advises that the baby sleep supine in the sleeping bag in a separate bed with a firm pad in the parents' bedroom. Further, the risk of Sudden Infant Deaths "by a well-tempered, not overheated and smoke-free environment, by the absence of utensils in the cot, which can get over the child's head (such as pillows, blankets or cuddly toys), by breastfeeding and by use of a pacifier ".

Recognize warning signs and react correctly
According to Professor dr. Hans-Jürgen Nentwich are "fading or a blue skin discoloration in the baby, marked change in muscle tension, e.g. If the baby suddenly feels flabby, and choking or a change in breathing always warning signs, should respond to parents promptly. "Here, if necessary, contact an ambulance or the emergency call and it should initiate first aid measures, their application in infants, however, must be done with extreme caution. How to ventilate babies is explained for example on the website of the German Red Cross. In addition, participation in a corresponding first aid course is highly recommended. (Fp)