SIDS

As the title says, this conversation isn’t comfortable, but it’s important, and I have a few real questions and observations.

The research I have done (not being an expert or medical professional), seems to suggest that SIDS cases aren’t well documented. It makes sense that it would be insensitive and difficult for first responders to label cause of death (when in a crib) as suffocation in front of the grieving parents, which would imply it was preventable, so many cases get labeled SIDS immediately without further investigation.

Accidental death (preventable, like suffocation), and SIDS (not preventable, caused by unknown and undetectable circumstances) seem to be lumped together. I say this because it seems some of SIDS cases ARE preventable. Why else would we find a drastic decline in infant deaths when following safe sleep guidelines that limit re-breathing? The fear I’ve had of SIDS as a new parent (who follows all safe sleep guidelines) is linked to SIDS, not preventable tragedy. Of course I worry about baby rolling on her tummy too early and suffocating with her face in the mattress, but it’s nothing compared to the looming fear of sleep conditions being exactly right and baby simply passing for no reason.

My observation (and question, wondering if this is correct) is that SIDS and accidental death are lumped together. This would mean that things like the Owlet, clearly no match for SIDS (unpreventable, unpredictable death), would be helpful to be alerted to situations that could cause accidental death (preventable, like baby rolling on tummy early and squishing face into mattress).

This isn’t a pleasant conversation...but I appreciate those who can respectfully engage in a sensitive way to this topic. Thank you.

**I am writing this as a mother in the U.S.**