Can Breastfeeding Reduce the Chances of SIDS

SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. SIDS is one of the major causes of death in infants in Western countries. In the United States, around 2,300 infants die each year. It is common in babies less than a year old. The cause of death is not obvious and has not been discovered either. Many health experts suggest that breastfeeding can reduce the chances of SIDS considerably.

The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) conducted a study on SIDS in 2017. They discovered that the chances of SIDS are halved by exclusive breastfeeding in babies for at least the first two months. And, better if a baby is breastfed for 6 months. The longer a baby is breastfed, the lesser the chances of SIDS.

Also Read | Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) - Safety Measures

Why does breastfeeding help? Here are a few reasons:

• Breastmilk fights infection-causing germs. It contains antibodies that are passed on from the mother to the baby.
• Breastfeeding also promotes brain development, especially the central nervous system.
• Breastfeeding promotes safer sleep and reduces reflux.
• Breastfeeding helps the baby coordinate movements.