Use of dummies can cut risk of cot death, British parents told
The National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) register in Ireland does not include soothers in its most recent guidelines as it is believed more research is needed into the effects of dummies on breastfeeding, according to register researcher, Cliona McGarvey.
SIDS rates in this country have been cut by 76% since the 1980s when an average of 134 babies died from cot death each year.
In 2004, 34 babies died from SIDS.
Doctors in the United States have been recommending the use of dummies for a number of years, with the Foundation for the Study of Infant Death (FSID) quoting research that dummies can cut cot deaths by half and possibly even by up to 90%.
Some breast-feeding advocacy groups have questioned dummy use in newborns because of concern that the devices might interfere with nursing.
In response, the American Academy of Paediatrics recommended delaying pacifier use for breast-fed infants during the first month of life — when SIDS risk is low — “to ensure that breast-feeding is firmly established”.
Ms McGarvey said yesterday that the data on the effects of dummy age on SIDS rates was not “conclusive” and that the Irish register was “holding off on including it in recommendations until sufficient research is available”.
The recommended usage of dummies has been included in US SIDS guidelines since late 2005.
The American FSID emphasises that parents should not force a dummy on children and they should not coat it in anything sweet.
A research group has been established in the US to investigate the conclusions of all adequately designed studies.
There is no one reason suggested as to why dummies could reduce the risk of SIDS.
However, scientists believe they could improve the baby’s sucking reflex.
This is believed to stop babies from sleeping too deeply or moving onto their stomachs.
