PubMed2005
OBJECTIVE: To explain the increase in the number of deaths due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) that occurred while the infant was in a playpen or on a playpen mat placed outside of the pen. 13 deaths were reported in the period 1 September 1996-31 August 2004, in contrast to 0 deaths in the years 1984/'96. DESIGN: Descriptive. METHOD: Data on the 13 infants that were reported to the National Study Group on SIDS were analysed and the presence of risk factors for SIDS was assessed. RESULTS: Of the 13 infants, 9 were male and 4 were female. 12 were aged less than 12 months and 1 was aged 13 months. Known risk factors for SIDS were often present and frequently occurred in combinations: male sex (n = 9), higher birth order (n = 9), age 1-8 months (n = 12), parental smoking (n = 6), primary prone sleeping position (n = 4), secondary prone (n = 6, often the first time), face down (n = 9), no adult present (n = 13). CONCLUSION: There was no clear explanation for the observed increase in SIDS that occurred in a playpen or on a playpen mat placed outside of the pen.