Fans May Help Prevent SIDS

October is SIDS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

An interesting new study on the use of fans in an infant’s room to help reduce the risk of SIDS is being conducted by Kimberly Coleman-Phox, MPH; Roxana Odouli, MSPH; De-Kun Li, MD, PhD Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. The study has so far been conducted spanning Eleven California counties in a Population-based case-control study comprised of Mothers of 185 infants with a confirmed SIDS diagnosis and 312 randomly selected infants matched on county of residence, maternal race/ethnicity, and age.  The study has implemented Fan use and open window during infant sleep times.

The results to date indicate that Fan use during sleep was associated with a 72% reduction in SIDS risk. The reduction in SIDS risk seemed more pronounced in adverse sleep environments. such as, fan use in warmer room temperatures compared with cooler room temperatures. Similarly, the reduction associated with fan use was greater in infants placed in the prone or side sleep position vs supine or “face – up” position. Fan use was associated with a greater reduction in SIDS risk in infants who shared a bed with an individual other than their parents vs with a parent, and finally, fan use was associated with reduced SIDS risk in infants not using pacifiers but not in pacifier users in general. Some differences in the effect of fan use on SIDS risk did not reach statistical significance.

The overall statistics of this sample show that fan use during infant sleep may be a plausible risk lowering action.  The premise is that soft bedding and tummy sleeping can cause a buildup of carbon dioxide (exhaled air) around the baby’s face. Instead of breathing oxygen-rich fresh air, the baby may be breathing the exhaled air which may increase the risk of SIDS. Many parents start getting nervous when their baby starts rolling over during sleep. A fan in the room can help disburse the exhaled air so the baby has more access to fresh air.

Dr. Fern Hauck, member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on SIDS believes that more research is necessary. “This is the first study that has looked at this issue,” Hauck stated. “Because fan use is in line with current theories, it may be worth considering.”

“While we can’t say conclusively that using a fan will reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS, First Candle has suggested the use of fans as a proactive step that parents and caregivers can take for several years,” said Laura Reno, Director of Public Affairs for First Candle.

If using a table or floor fan, use safety precautions to make sure the fan is not too close to the crib and that it can’t tip over or onto the crib causing a finger hazard.

The best protection against SIDS is still to place your baby on his or her back in a safety approved crib on a firm mattress covered with only a sheet. There should be nothing else in the crib. Please remember that babies who sleep in adult beds are at an increased risk for SIDS, suffocation and accidents during sleep. Placing your baby in a separate space along side your bed is safer.

For more information or to find out how you can help please visit First Candle, Amy’s Angels, or SIDS-Network