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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden death of a baby under a year old. The death remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history. Experts cannot predict which babies will die of SIDS.

Facts

  • SIDS is the leading cause of death for babies 1-12 months old.

  • The peak age for SIDS death is 2-4 months old; 91% occur between 1-6 months.

Links and Resources

National SIDS/Infant Death Resource Center

PDF Brochure -
Safe Sleep for Your Baby     en Español

Video File Video - Safe Sleep for Your Baby

PDF Brochure -
Shaken Baby Syndrome       en Español

Video File Video - Shaken Baby Syndrome

PDF Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Cases
January 1 – March 31, 2005

  • SIDS is more likely to occur in the winter months (October –April).

  • Unaccustomed stomach sleeping increases the risk by 18 – 20 times.

  • It can be difficult to distinguish between SIDS and unintentional suffocation.

Factors that Increase the Risk of SIDS or Suffocation

  • Sleeping on stomach

  • Soft bedding (pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and other soft products that can keep baby from breathing easily)

  • Sleeping on an adult bed or couch

  • Overheating

  • Exposure to tobacco smoke

Factors that may Decrease the Risk of SIDS or Suffocation

  • Breastfed babies are thought to have a lower risk of SIDS. Breastfeeding also has many other benefits.

  • Use of a pacifier may decrease the risk of SIDS. If one is used, it should only be at sleep time, and not re-inserted if it falls out once the baby is asleep.

  • Babies who are breastfed shouldn’t use a pacifier until they are at least 1 month old and breastfeeding is established.

  • Create a safe sleep environment for baby.

How to Create a Safe Sleep Environment for Baby

  • Make sure to talk to the baby’s doctor or nurse, childcare providers, grandparents (family members), babysitters, and all other caregivers about a safe sleep position (baby on back) and the importance of a safe sleep environment.

  • Baby should sleep in a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission approved crib with a firm mattress. Crib rails should be spaced narrowly enough that a soda can does not fit through them.

  • Remove pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and other soft products from the crib.

  • Consider using a “blanket sleeper” instead of blankets, which can get wrapped around baby’s head.

  • Avoid overheating; baby should not be sweating or hot to the touch. The ideal room temperature is one that is comfortable to a lightly clothed adult.

  • Do not use any devices to prop baby on her side.

  • Create a smoke-free zone around baby, particularly when sleeping.

  • Do not put baby to sleep with another child or adult. A close-by but separate sleeping environment in the parent’s room is recommended.

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