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Paediatricians have warned that covering babies with blankets increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, a tragic phenomenon, where a healthy infant dies unexpectedly.
The specialists also warned that obstructing a baby’s airways with pillows, toys, shawls, or other materials could be fatal within four minutes.
This, they said, contributed to the global burden of infant mortality, which saw 2.3 million children under the age of one die within the first 20 days of life in 2022, including those affected by SIDS, according to the World Health Organisation.
The experts, who said that this practice threatens the lives of babies, cautioned that a lack of oxygen for an infant for four minutes could be hazardous for the baby.
The warnings highlight the importance of adhering to safe sleep guidelines to protect vulnerable infants and reduce the incidence of this devastating condition.
The 2014 World Bank estimated infant mortality rate in Nigeria was 72 per 1,000 live births, which is unacceptably high and has a proven association with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
According to the Boston Children’s Hospital, United States, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the sudden death of an infant under one year of age that cannot be explained following a thorough case investigation that includes an autopsy, a death scene investigation, and a review of the clinical history.
The hospital stated that the syndrome is sometimes called crib death because the death is usually associated with sleep and often occurs while a baby is sleeping in a crib.
“SIDS is the leading cause of postnatal (one month to one year of age) death of babies in the US. Ninety percent of SIDS deaths occur within the first six months of life, with the rate peaking between one and four months,” Boston Children’s Hospital stated.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise in different interviews, the paediatricians said that prompting significant public health efforts to educate parents and caregivers on prevention strategies were recommended.
The specialists said that ensuring that the baby sleeps on a firm mattress, without loose bedding, pillows, or stuffed toys, is crucial, insisting that practise of ‘bed-sharing’ is also recommended.
A Consultant Paediatrician at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Dr Adefunke Babatola affirmed that covering a baby with clothes or introducing pillows and soft materials, especially silk, in the baby’s bed space increases 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.”
Corroborating her statement, another consultant paediatrician at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Dr Stanley Onah said, wrapping babies with shawls at the early stage of their lives can cause sudden infant death syndrome.
Onah emphasised that babies should not be wrapped and left alone in a cot, criticising such practices as unsafe.
He believes that educating mothers is crucial in reducing the global burden 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.”
