THE overall national infant mortality reached a record low in 2020, but there was a 15% increase in sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS cases from 2019 to 2020, according to a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics or AAP.
SIDS — the sudden and unexplained death of a baby younger than one year old — was the third leading cause of death among infants, the report added.
A diagnosis of SIDS is made if the infant’s death is unexplained even after a death scene investigation, an autopsy, and a review of clinical history.
According to the AAP report, it is unknown why the SIDS rate increased, but potential reasons may be related to the Covid-19 pandemic or changing death certification practices.
“The Covid-19 pandemic may have affected sudden unexpected infant deaths or SUIDS in several ways. Increased pressures on families, caregivers, and communities during the pandemic may have limited opportunities for clinical follow-up after birth and access to safety-net supports,” the report said.
The report added that limited access to support and services might have also increased the risk of SIDS and other SUIDS.
The recommended support and services include clinical follow-up which is an opportunity for parents to receive information and education about safe sleep practices, the report said.
Smoking cessation, immunizations, and breastfeeding counseling are also protective factors against SIDS and SUIDS, the report added.
In the CNMI, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs’ child care program provides information on preventing and avoiding SIDS.
