Babies of smokers are liable to die of SIDS

According to Pulse, a lecturer at the the Paediatric Department, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI) Biodun Falade on Tuesday, 15 March 2016 told NAN that babies who live with parents who smoke are liable to the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). According to Falade, though the cause of SIDS is
unknown, several brain abnormalities and respiratory infections has been linked to the disease.

“The major cause is unknown but SIDS may be associated with abnormalities in the portion of an infant’s brain that controls breathing and arousal from sleep.

“Premature birth or being part of a multiple birth increases the likelihood that a baby’s brain has not matured completely.

“So he or she has less control over such automatic processes as breathing and heart rate,” he said.

Further stating that boys are more likely to die than girls are. Listing other factors, Falade said the placing babies of fluffy beds, or in between the couples could lead to the baby’s sudden death.

“Don’t over heat a baby, use lightweight materials, and don’t cover the baby’s head.

“Your baby sleeping in the same room with you is a great idea, but adult beds are not good for infants as the baby can become trapped and suffocate.’’