Fan use linked to lower risk of SIDS

Having a fan in the room where an infant is sleeping may help decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, according to research published today.

SIDS deaths have fallen almost 65% from 1992 to 2003 as research has yielded clues on what causes the tragic deaths of seemingly healthy newborns. One of the best prevention measures, studies have shown, is placing babies on their backs to sleep. But SIDS cases still occur, and so have efforts to understand how to prevent them.

The study today in the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine analyzed interviews of mothers from 185 infants who died from SIDS and the mothers of 312 infants who were randomly selected as comparisons. The babies who died from SIDS were more likely to have been placed on their stomachs or sides to sleep, did not use a pacifier, were found with bedding or clothing covering their heads, slept on a soft surface or shared a bed with someone other than a parent -- all known risk factors for SIDS. But the study also found that having a fan on during sleep was associated with a 72% decreased risk in SIDS compared to sleeping in a room without a fan. Fan use in warmer rooms (above 69 degrees Fahrenheit) was associated with a 94% decreased risk of SIDS compared with no fan use. Fan use also decreased the risk of SIDS in infants who slept on their stomachs or sides.

Use of a fan may prevent infants from re-breathing exhaled air, which contains carbon dioxide, or from overheating, said the authors of the study, from Kaiser Permanente's Division of Research in Oakland. Putting infants to sleep on their backs appears to offer the strongest protection against SIDS. But, they added: "Use of a fan in the room of a sleeping infant may be an easily available means of further reducing SIDS risk than can be readily accepted by care providers from a variety of social and cultural backgrounds."

The study needs to be confirmed by further research, said Marian Willinger, special assistant for SIDS Research at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

For more information on preventing SIDS, see the web pages for the National Sudden Infant Death Resource Center, First Candle, and the American SIDS Institute.

-- Shari Roan

Photo credit: Damir Sagolj / Reuters

Comments

[Kathy Matthews]

My little sister died of crib death in 1962 so, when our daughter was born early 13 summers ago my husband did some research, since the hospital would not perscribe an alarm if she stopped breathing. He had read an article that told of using a fan as SIDS can be hereditary. Since then it has turned into a great noise blocker and she will sleep anywhere from a cruise ship to a cabin at summer camp with her fan going!

[biophysics ph.d.]

If there is a window open, the fan may reduce the concentration of indoor air pollutants such as fire retardants, outgassing from vinyl, foam rubber, or new carpet or paint.

[Amar Razook]

I bought a clip fan I am quite fond of. We don't have much room in our nursery and I didn't want to install a ceiling fan. I was a bit concerned about the clip but after receiving it I realized its not coming off the crib unless I want it to. The one I found was at http://www.vornado.com/