Parent question about SIDS

In the recent past I have known 3 children die as a result of SIDS. I have a 21 month old, and a 5 month old. My 5 month old was very sick when he was 8 weeks old. He had croup, RSV, and had apnea at times. I got his o2 sats checked, and when he coughed they went to 86%! Needless to say, I didn't sleep for 3 weeks. He is fine now, but still sleeping in a crib next to my bed. I am paranoid now about apnea during the night. I don't wake up all night and check him, and am not crazed about it, and I do sleep, but I am reluctant to place him in his crib in another room at night. Is this crazy behavior? If not, how long should I wait to place him in his room? Is there anything else I need to know about SIDS? Since he was so sick as a newborn, does this predispose him to SIDS? I guess I am kind of worried only because he was so ill when he was younger. Just a paranoid parent.... Laura, RN. I'd appreciate some tips. Thanks.

Your fear of SIDS will not pass until your kids are 21 and ready to move out of the house. And by then it will be replaced by other worries! My girls (both former preemies) are now 6 & 9, and I still check on them whenever I wake up at night.

Preemies, infants with apnea, and infants who are sick with respiratory illnesses do have a higher incidence of SIDS, but I am not aware that a previous infection in a now healthy infant is a risk factor. The incidence of SIDS increases during cold and flu season, so thankfully, that is behind us. Next fall, check with your pediatrician about his/her recommendation on getting a flu vaccine. The most important measures you can take are to prohibit smoking among members of your family and in your house, put the baby to sleep on his back, (although this gets tougher when they are able to roll around on their own), continue breastfeeding for as long as possible, (breastfed babies contract fewer illnesses than bottle-fed babies), practice good handwashing and infection control meassures at home, sleep in the same room, but not the same bed as your baby, (studies show a lesser risk of SIDS among infants who sleep in the same room as their parents), and discuss your concerns with your baby's doctor.

You mention his having episodes of apnea. Did those occur only during his illness? If you have any reason to believe that they are still happening, then he needs to be evaluated immediately by the pediatrician. Testing can be done to rule out sleep apnea.

All moms can relate to your fears. Perhaps your baby's doctor can put them to rest, so you can sleep too!

I agree with all the suggestions made above.

However, in order to make the transition from Mom's room to Baby's room it may be worthwhile to invest in an Apnoea Mattress. This is a pad that fits between the crib mattress and the bedsheet, it alarms if the baby becomes apnoeic. This would allow you to get some proper rest, get the baby out of your room and still give you some piece of mind.

:) Thank you so much for the information. He has been a well baby since his sickness. I do not think he has had any apnea episodes since his illness has been over. I do believe I will worry until they are 21, and even there after. Thanks for the information, it has given me peace of mind, that I am so far doing things the correct way. Again, thanks. Laura