Infant Sleep Patterns and SIDS

The expectation that infants should sleep through the night, similar to adults, is a cultural norm specific to WEIRD cultures.

Formula-fed infants may sleep longer without waking due to less active sleep, fewer awakenings, and longer sleep periods.

While formula feeding can extend sleep duration, it increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in infants compared to breastfeeding.

Sleeping through the night is not a developmental indicator or a sign of positive development.

Active sleep plays a crucial role in infant brain development, with infants learning during active sleep.

Breastfeeding has been shown to be linked to better cognitive function during middle childhood.

Responsive caregiving, which caters to the needs of the infant, promotes better infant health than forcing the infant to conform to adult schedules.

The infant-mother system is primarily focused on fulfilling the needs of the infant.

A condition where an infant dies suddenly and unexpectedly, with no clear cause, typically during sleep. It is often linked to factors like breathing difficulties and problems with the transition from reflexive to voluntary breathing.

The rate at which infants die within the first year of life. It reflects the health status of newborns and is a key indicator of overall health care quality.

A set of guidelines and recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to reduce the risk of SIDS and other safe sleep issues. It emphasizes putting infants to sleep on their backs, in a crib without loose bedding, and in a smoke-free environment.

The practice of co-sleeping, where the infant sleeps alongside their mother. It is often associated with breastfeeding and may benefit healthy brain and social development.

The term 'SUID' encompasses all sudden, unexplained infant deaths (SUID) in the first year of life. This includes SIDS, accidents, and undetermined causes.

The practice of putting infants to sleep on their backs rather than their stomachs. This recommendation helps to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths.

A term used to refer to any sudden and unexpected infant death, including SIDS and other unexplained causes. It encompasses all infant fatalities that happen suddenly with unclear causes.

The practice of parents sharing a bed with their infant. While widely practiced in many cultures, the CDC recommends against it and suggests instead keeping the infant's crib close for easy access.