Could Alcohol be to Blame for SIDS?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has and continues to be the largest cause of death in infants aged one to twelve months. Despite efforts that have reduced the number of SIDS deaths by half since the 1990s, SIDS continues to haunt young parents. While many times the precise cause of SIDS is unknown, there are factors that may increase its risk.

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, shows that cases of SIDS spike after many celebrated national holidays such as the forth of July and April 20 – 4/20 the unofficial ‘weed day,’ celebrated by pot smokers everywhere. Cases of SIDS also spike on New Year’s Day by a whopping 33 percent. In fact, more babies die of SIDS on this day than any other day of the year.

Lead researcher on the study, David Phillips, PhD, and his team examined over 129,000 SIDS death cases from 1973 to 2006. What they found was that there was a marked increase in the amount of alcohol consumed and the number of incidences of SIDS on New Year’s Day. The study also found that SIDS deaths increased after weekends of heavy drinking.

The study does not prove a direct connection between alcohol and SIDS since the caregivers’ alcohol consumption was not tested. However, the findings do pose an interesting question: could too much partying put your little ones at risk? Certainly the area deserves further research.

Traditionally, unsafe sleeping arrangements have been to blame for most SIDS cases. The “Back to Sleep” campaign initiated by federal health officials and the American Academy of Pediatrics has helped educate parents that the safest way for babies to sleep is on their backs on a firm mattress free of toys and blankets. Dr. Phillips states that the effect of impaired judgment caused from alcohol use on the part of the caregiver has not been fully studied.

While researchers are not claiming that alcohol is the cause for the SIDS deaths examined in the studies, they are saying that it may play a role. Alcohol and other substance use can impair judgment. They contend that when under the influence, parents may not be as careful about putting their infants down to sleep or responding to their needs in the middle of the night.

The authors of the study only wish to raise awareness of this information so that parents will take precautionary measures when they plan to drink. It only makes sense that they put the same thought into caring for their children as they would into arranging for a designated driver. So, maybe overnight babysitting services should be arranged the next time you call for that taxi.