Cot death and meningitis are right at the top of most parent's worry list. It's understandable, of course, but to help keep things in perspective, they are rare. Each year, about 350 babies die from cot death in the UK, and there are around 3000 reported cases of meningitis. Bronchiolitis, a breathing infection, is more common - about 10% of babies under one year get it. It is sometimes described as ‘the cough that can kill', but in nearly all cases, it isn't serious. Knowing the warning signs can help put your mind at rest and give you the confidence to act fast if necessary.
COT DEATH
What is it
This is also called Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and it's just that - the unexpected death of a baby for no clear reason. Less than 0.05% of babies die in this way. Of these cases, nearly 90% are in the first six months, with very few after 1 year.
Signs and symptoms
There are no particular warning signs, but keep a close eye on your baby if he seems irritable, unwell - for example, if he's wheezy, hot, pale or sweaty or has a rash - or isn't responding to you normally.
How to avoid it
Suffocation has been linked to cot death, so make sure you out your baby to sleep on his back, with his feet at the end of the cot.
Also, ensure his cover - a sheet and light blankets, not a duvet - are tucked in and can't go over his head. Overheating is a factor too, so keep the room cool - a comfortable 16-20°C/61-68°F is ideal. Also, don't smoke near your baby, or allow anyone else to. The latest advice is that it's best if your baby sleeps in a cot in your room for the first six months, but not in your bed - that increases the risk.
What to do
Phone 999 for an ambulance if your baby isn't breathing. Also, try stimulating your baby by picking him up or flicking the soles of his feet. If you know how to, give him mouth-to-mouth.
MENINGITIS
What is it
Meningitis is a very rare infection of the membranes - called the meninges - that cover the brain and spinal cord. There are different types of meningitis. Viral meningitis can make you very ill, but is rarely serious. Bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening and needs urgent medical attention. Most doctors will be on the alert for symptoms of meningitis and usually check for it if your baby is unwell.
Early signs and symptoms
Symptoms can vary, and your baby may not have all of them - or have extra ones - but the main ones are: high temperature, vomiting, refusing to feed, high-pitched moaning, whimpering cry, blank stare, floppiness, arching back and being hard to wake. There may also be a rash that looks like little pinpricks of blood under the skin, and which doesn't go away when pressed with a glass. If your baby has this rash, go to hospital immediately. The early signs are similar to cold and flu symptoms, so keep an eye on your baby if he has a fever, isn't feeding well and is lethargic. It almost certainly isn't meningitis, but play safe and get medical advice if you're at all worried.
How to avoid it
Babies can be vaccinated against Hib, meningitis C and, in some cases, pneumococcal meningitis, but there's no vaccine for meningitis B, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK. Meningitis B is hard to ‘catch', as the bacteria only live outside the body for a few seconds. But the risk increases in the winter months, probably because families are more likely to be shut up indoors and close together more frequently. The best way to protect your little one is to be aware of the danger signs and trust your instincts.
What to do
If you suspect your baby has meningitis, act quickly - early treatment with antibiotics is key.
BRONCHIOLITIS
What is it
You may have read in the newspapers that bronchiolitis is ‘the cough that can kill'. But in actual fact, very few children die from it, and it's often so mild it's mistaken for a cold. Of the reported cases, 90% affect babies under 9 months, and they usually happen in winter.
Signs and symptoms
Look out for cold and flu symptoms, such as a snuffly nose, slight temperature, shallow or rapid breathing and refusal to eat. If your baby takes a turn for the worse, there's a chance he has bronchiolitis Watch out for more serious symptoms, including very rapid or shallow breathing, a rapid heartbeat, wheezing, a high temperature and poor feeding.
How to avoid it
Bronchiolitis is often caused by a virus known as RSV, which is passed on through coughing, sneezing, and sharing towels and toys. This makes it hard to avoid, especially in winter, when there are lots of colds about. Try not to worry too much about it, but while your baby's very young, you should steer clear of people with heavy colds.
What to do
If your baby has only mild symptoms, see your GP, who will probably suggest you treat him with a children's paracetamol and make the atmosphere in your home more humid to ease his breathing. You can do this by simply draping a damp towel over a warm radiator, or putting a bowl of steaming water in his room. If symptoms get worse, see your GP again, the emergency doctor if your surgery is closed, or take him to hospital. If your baby ever has trouble breathing, always seek medical attention. But don't forget, most cases of bronchiolitis are very mild.
To find out more:
Don't hesitate to call these numbers if you're worried...
- NHS Direct 24-hour service 0845 4647
- Foundation for the Study of Infant Cot Death (FSID) Helpline 0870 787 0554
- Meningitis Trust 24-hour Helpline 0845 600 0800
For more information, visit www.netdoctor.co.uk.
