Message is getting through on Sids

A single Wairarapa infant died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) over a five year period from 2007, Ministry of Health records show.

Parents are finally learning to lay babies to sleep correctly and keep them in smokefree environments, experts say.

Between 2007 and 2012, just one Wairarapa infant died from Sudden infant death syndrome (Sids), according to Ministry of Health data. As the deaths were investigated through the coronial process, 2012 is the most recent year the data is available.

Sids, also known as Sudden Unexpected Death of an Infant (Sudi) and cot death, is the sudden unexplained death of a child less than 1 year of age. To be considered Sids, the death must remain unexplained after a thorough autopsy and detailed death scene investigation.

Sids usually occurs during sleep with no evidence of struggle or noise from the infant. The exact cause of Sids remains unknown.

However, associated risk factors include bed sharing, prematurity (less than 36 weeks gestation), low birth weight (less than 2.5kg), tummy sleeping, sleeping on or near pillows, sleeping in car seats and slings, and smoking during and after pregnancy.

Wairarapa midwife Clare Bardsley said parents were learning to reduce such risks.

"It's a Ministry [of Health] requirement that we discuss safe sleeping with all women," she said.

"Our three key messages are: baby to sleep on its back, baby to sleep in its own space, and no smoking before birth and during breastfeeding.

"I think [the messages] are getting through well. When I discuss those with women, they're not surprised to hear them."

Pepi pods were a great idea but were hard to come by, she said. "It would be great if we could send every woman in New Zealand home with one."

A pepi pod is a plastic box with a mattress, cover and bedding package, including a top sheet that wrapped the baby securely to keep them on their back while sleeping. They are designed for babies up to 6 months old.

Nationally, the number of Sids deaths fell from 57 in 2007 to 18 in 2012.

SIDS and Kids New Zealand chief executive Margaret Free likewise believed parents were becoming more aware of risk factors.

"We get about three or four calls a day, at least, from parents who want to know about what they can do to prevent Sids," she said.

"There's also been a real push of our safe sleeping programme. We give out pamphlets in hospitals, and we're about to release new pamphlets in motels for itinerant travellers."

Parents should also be aware of babies overheating in winter, she said.

"There have been a few deaths in the past caused by babies being overheated."

- For support, call Sids and Kids 24 hour helpline on 0800-164-455