Child dies in bed with parents, expert: "Tragedy strikes 300 families every year."

It's called SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and it's the syndrome of sudden infant death in cot beds . The tragedy that occurred in Carovigno, in the province of Brindisi, where a 5-month-old baby lost his life during the night while he was at a tourist resort with his family, prompts us to reflect on one of the leading causes of death in children in the first months after birth .

" SIDS, " explains Claudia Denti , expert in Educational Sciences at Sonno Sicuro, " occurs most frequently in the first six months of life , peaking between two and four months, and decreases significantly in the following months. The most recent data show that in industrialized countries the incidence is approximately 1 case in 2,000 live births. In Italy the incidence is slightly higher; unfortunately, we are talking about around 300 children a year, or almost one every day. Current statistics also tell us that approximately 60% of victims are male."

While the specific causes of death are still unknown, several common factors have been identified : a brain defect in the mechanism that sends the wake-up signal in times of danger, such as a lack of oxygen; the adult caregiver's smoking habits; alcohol consumption during pregnancy; the baby's sleeping position, where the baby is put to bed, and excessive heat. "Although the causes are unclear," Denti explains, "there are some simple rules to minimize the risk of this phenomenon occurring. The first, and by far the most important, is to never let your child sleep in your bed. Unfortunately, many professionals recommend it and many mothers do it, whether out of necessity or out of choice, but it is truly extremely dangerous. A risk a family should never take."

An empty crib is therefore the safest shelter: "The newborn should sleep," says Denti, "on his back on a firm mattress without a pillow. Ideally, he should be placed with his feet on the bottom so he can't slip under the covers. It's also essential not to leave anything superfluous in the crib. No stuffed animals, bumpers, baby reducers, or other objects like blankets or sheets; it's better to opt for a sleeping bag to keep the newborn warm. Be careful about smoke and the temperature of the room and bed, which should always be cool, ideally between 18 and 20 degrees. In short, the baby shouldn't be over-covered. Other protective factors include, where possible, breastfeeding and a pacifier, but never force it."