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Canadian
Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths
In an effort to reduce the number of babies who die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in Canada, a coalition was formed among Health Canada, the SIDS Foundation, the Canadian Institute of Child Health, and the Canadian Paediatric Society. An initial statement was released in 1993 and updated in 1999(1) with the launch of a national Back to Sleep campaign. The key recommendation is that babies should be placed to sleep on their back to decrease the incidence of SIDS.
Statistics reveal that the recommendations against prone (tummy) sleeping have coincided with a reduction in the number of SIDS deaths in Canada. The number of SIDS deaths has fallen steadily since the late 1980s·from 385 in 1989(2) to 138 in 1999.(3)
There is concern that infants may choke if they are put to sleep on their back. Research has shown that the back sleeping position does not increase the risk of choking. Data from countries where back sleeping has always been the norm support this observation. Choking has not emerged as a problem in countries where there has been a change from tummy to back sleeping. There are a few rare conditions present at birth where sleeping on the back is inappropriate. Examples include the Pierre Robin Syndrome and other airway abnormalities. The infant's doctor should advise parents if sleeping on its back is inappropriate.
Along with this decreased incidence, public awareness about SIDS is growing. A recent survey conducted for Health Canada by Environics compared awareness, knowledge and behaviours before the latest campaign (1999) and post-campaign (May 2001).(4) The survey reported that this campaign has resulted in more parents and caregivers being aware that back sleeping position reduces the risk of SIDS. As well, many more are placing their infants on their back to sleep. Overall, 71% of parents and caregivers reported putting their babies to sleep on their back, up significantly from 40% before the campaign.
Positional plagiocephaly
With the success of the campaign has come a public concern over positional plagiocephaly, commonly referred to as 'flat head'. While there are no scientific data to conclusively show a rise in positional plagiocephaly, anecdotal reports do suggest an increase in this condition. Special clinics to treat this problem have been established in some children·s hospitals in Canada.
In response to this public concern, the partners in the Back to Sleep campaign are publishing this update regarding sleep position and plagiocephaly. While it is intended for health care professionals, there is an accompanying fact sheet for parents and caregivers.
The development of plagiocephaly can occur if an infant sleeps with its head in the same position. This is because its skull is very soft and the bones can be affected by pressure. Because the neck muscles of young infants are weak, they tend to turn their head to one side when placed on their back. If they constantly turn their head to the same side, the skull becomes flat on that side and on the back. A minor degree of flattening resolves on its own. However, more severe flattening may be permanent. While this outcome is cosmetically undesirable, brain function and development are not affected.
Prevention strategies
Plagiocephaly can be prevented by:
One way to ensure changes in head position is to use 'counter positioning,' which involves changing the baby·s orientation in the crib. While in their crib, babies prefer to look out into a room rather than at a wall. Alternating the baby's orientation in the crib allows the baby to have the same 'view' without always lying on the same side of the head. For instance, on even calendar days the infant can be placed with its head at the head of the crib, and on odd calendar days with its head at the foot of the crib. Placing a mobile on the side of the crib facing out into the room gives the baby something interesting to look at.
If, despite these strategies, the baby still develops a flat area on the skull, a medical assessment should be obtained to rule out more serious conditions.
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