Sudden Infant Death Syndrome also known as "Cot Death"  is the sudden and unexplained death of a healthy baby or infant.

In the U.K. just under 300 babies die of  Sudden Infant Death Syndrome every year. and although this number is quite alarming  SIDS is considered a rare condition.

 

Most deaths happen during the first six months of the baby's life,  Infants brn premature or with a low birth weight are at  greater risk. SIDS is also to me slightly more common in baby boys.

 

However  In the Irish Traveller Community  the numbers  have been recorded as for every 1 non Irish Traveller baby  that died from SIDS 10 babies born within the Irish Traveller community were lost to the same condition. Out of all the Ethnic Groups of Traveller, Gypsy and Roma, the Irish Traveller   have the highest SIDS fatality rate.

 

10 / 1 is very high difference between Non Irish Traveller and Irish traveller it opens the door for many questions to be asked, Like WHY is there such a high rate of fatalities within infants born to Irish Travellers.

 

This needs to be investigated, Sybil  Lucas Brewer has been appealing for information on the numbers of  Traveller, Gypsy and Roma babies who dies in infancy some through SIDS  or any other medical conditions. It is thought that one of the factors in the high fatalities could be attributed to lack of medical facilities and medical care available to these Ethnic Groups, Sybil  Lucas Brewer put this status up on the media site Face book.

 

" If anyone can help. I need provable facts for a document
The loss of children through lack of intervention from necessary care. Gypsies have a high rate of new born deaths that could have been prevented. A simple record book could help traveller children. Open access to drop in medical centres. Please let me know what you would want from such a service. Thank you"

 

The information held on this at the moment is needing to be up-dated to  allow a proper statistical report to be compiled  so that the problem can be addressed properly and positive steps taken  to ensure that proper medical care is fully available to pregnant mothers , Also that children from our Ethnic groups can obtain medicines for child illnesses by making them easy accessible to the Parents .

 

There are certain things parents can do to help prevent  SIDS and they have been listed below:

 

 

• Place your baby on their back to sleep, in a cot in the same room as you for the first six months.

• Don't smoke during pregnancy or breastfeeding and don't let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.

• Don't share a bed with your baby if you've been drinking alcohol, if you take drugs or you're a smoker.

• Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.

• Don't let your baby get too hot or cold.

• Keep your baby's head uncovered. Their blanket should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders.

• Place your baby in the "feet to foot" position (with their feet at the end of the cot or Moses basket).

 

Place your baby on their back to sleep

Place your baby on their back to sleep from the very beginning, for both day and night sleeps. This will reduce the risk of cot death.

It's not as safe for babies to sleep on their side or tummy as on their back. Healthy babies placed on their backs are not more likely to choke.

Once your baby is old enough to roll over, there's no need to worry if they turn on to their tummy or side while sleeping.

The risks of co-sleeping

The safest place for your baby to sleep for the first six months is in a cot in the same room as you. It's especially important not to share a bed with your baby if you or your partner:

• are smokers (no matter where or when you smoke and even if you never smoke in bed)

• have recently drunk alcohol

• have taken medication or drugs that make you sleep more heavily

The risks of co-sleeping are also increased if your baby:

• was premature (born before 37 weeks), or

• had a low birth weight (less than 2.5kg or 5.5lb)

As well as a higher risk of SIDS, there's also a risk you might roll over in your sleep and suffocate your baby. Or your baby could get caught between the wall and the bed, or roll out of an adult bed and be injured.

Never sleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair

It's lovely to have your baby with you for a cuddle or a feed, but sleeping with your baby on a sofa or armchair is linked to a higher risk of SIDS. It's safest to put your baby back in their cot before you go to sleep.

Don't let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby

Babies exposed to cigarette smoke before and after birth are at an increased risk of SIDS. Don't let anyone smoke in the house, including visitors.

Ask anyone who needs to smoke to go outside. Don't take your baby into smoky places. If you're a smoker, sharing a bed with your baby increases the risk of cot death.

Find help and support if you'd like to quit smoking.

Don't let your baby get too hot or too cold

Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS. Babies can overheat because of too much bedding or clothing, or because the room is too hot.

• When you check your baby, make sure they're not too hot. If your baby is sweating or their tummy feels hot to the touch, take off some of the bedding. Don't worry if their hands or feet feel cool – this is normal.

• It's easier to adjust for the temperature by using layers of lightweight blankets. Remember, a folded blanket counts as two blankets. Lightweight, well-fitting baby sleeping bags are a good choice, too.  

• Babies don't need hot rooms. All-night heating is rarely necessary. Keep the room at a temperature that's comfortable for you at night – about 18C (65F) is ideal.

• If it's very warm, your baby may not need any bedclothes other than a sheet.

• Even in winter, most babies who are unwell or feverish don't need extra clothes.

• Babies should never sleep with a hot water bottle or electric blanket, next to a radiator, heater or fire, or in direct sunshine.

• Babies lose excess heat through their heads, so make sure their heads can't be covered by bedclothes while they're asleep.

• Remove hats and extra clothing as soon as you come indoors or enter a warm car, bus or train, even if it means waking your baby.