According to the National Center for Health Statistics the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) rate in the United States rose from 0.54 per 1000 live births in 1983 to 0.87 in 1991. However in Japan the SIDS rate has always been very low averaging around 0.02 per 1000 live births from 1972-2011. Researchers believe that a number of factors may contribute to the low SIDS rate in Japan including:
-Sleeping on a firm surface: In Japan it is traditional for infants to sleep on a firm surface such as a futon or a tatami mat. This is in contrast to the United States where infants often sleep on soft mattresses. A number of studies have shown that sleeping on a firm surface may help to reduce the risk of SIDS.
-Belly sleeping: In Japan it is also traditional for infants to sleep on their stomachs or sides rather than on their backs. This practice has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.
-Sharing a room: In Japan it is common for infants to share a room with their parents or other family members. This practice has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.
-Breastfeeding: In Japan the majority of mothers breastfeed their infants. This practice has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.
-Using a mosquito net: In Japan it is common for infants to sleep under a mosquito net. This practice has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.
While there is no single factor that can completely explain the low SIDS rate in Japan it is likely that the combination of these factors contributes to the reduced risk.
Why are SIDS rates low in Japan?
Answer: One reason SIDS rates are low in Japan is because parents traditionally sleep with their infants which promotes bonding and helps the parents keep track of the infant’s breathing and movements.
What are some other possible explanations for the low SIDS rates in Japan?
Answer: Some other possible explanations for the low SIDS rates in Japan include the high rates of breastfeeding and the use of thin futon mattresses.
How does co-sleeping with infants promote bonding?
Answer: Co-sleeping with infants promotes bonding because it gives parents the opportunity to respond quickly to their infants’ needs and to establish a close physical connection.
How can breastfeeding help reduce the risk of SIDS?
Answer: Breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of SIDS because it provides babies with the nutrients they need and helps them regulate their breathing and body temperature.
What are some of the benefits of using thin futon mattresses?
Answer: Some of the benefits of using thin futon mattresses include that they are less likely to cause suffocation and they allow babies to stay warm without the use of blankets.
Why is it important for parents to be able to monitor their infants’ breathing and movements?
Answer: It is important for parents to be able to monitor their infants’ breathing and movements because it can help them detect when something is wrong and take action to prevent SIDS.
What are some signs that a baby is not breathing well?
Answer: Some signs that a baby is not breathing well include a decrease in the baby’s heart rate a lack of movement and a change in the baby’s skin color.
What should parents do if they notice that their baby is not breathing well?
Answer: Parents should take their baby to the hospital as soon as possible if they notice that their baby is not breathing well.
How can SIDS be prevented?
Answer: SIDS can be prevented by taking precautions such as ensuring that babies sleep on their backs using thin futon mattresses and avoiding the use of blankets.
What are the consequences of SIDS?
Answer: The consequences of SIDS include the death of the infant and the grief and sorrow that the parents experience.
How common is SIDS?
Answer: SIDS is the leading cause of death for infants between one month and one year old.
Who is at risk for SIDS?
Answer: SIDS can affect any infant but it is more common in male infants and infants who are born prematurely or with low birth weights.
What race is most affected by SIDS?
Answer: SIDS occurs more often in African American and Native American infants than in Caucasian infants.
What are the risk factors for SIDS?
Answer: Some of the risk factors for SIDS include being male being born prematurely or with low birth weight and having a family history of SIDS.
How can parents reduce the risk of SIDS?
Answer: Parents can reduce the risk of SIDS by taking precautions such as sleeping on their backs using thin futon mattresses and avoiding the use of blankets.
