Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexplained death of an infant younger than 1 year old. SIDS is particularly worrying because it can occur without warning in a baby who seems healthy.
SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants between 1 month and 1 year old. Most SIDS cases happen in babies between 2-4 months old.
Risk Factors
The causes of SIDS are unknown. Most SIDS deaths are associated with sleep, and there are more cases during cold weather. African-American and Native-American infants are more likely to die of SIDS than other infants. More boys than girls experience SIDS.
Because most cases happen when a baby is sleeping, SIDS is sometimes called "crib death." Cribs do not cause SIDS, but other sleep issues can increase your baby’s risks:
- Sleep position: Babies placed to sleep on their tummies or sides are at higher risk of SIDS than babies placed on their backs. Since the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) started the "Back to Sleep" campaign in the 1990s, SIDS cases in the U.S. have dropped by more than 50 percent.
- Smoking: Mothers who smoke during pregnancy are three times more likely to have a SIDS baby. Being around people who smoke doubles a baby’s risks.
- Bedding: Sleeping on pillows, soft surfaces and soft bedding are linked to a higher SIDS risk.
Other potential risks include:
- Drinking or drug use during pregnancy
- Poor prenatal care
- Premature birth or low birthweight
- Mothers less than 20 years old
- Overheating of the baby during sleep
Reducing the Risk of SIDS
You can help lower your baby’s risk of SIDS.
- Always place your baby on his back to sleep every time. This is the number one way to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who usually sleep on their backs but are sometimes placed on their tummies are at a very high risk. It’s important for babies to sleep on their backs every time – both for naps and for nighttime sleep.
- Always place your baby on a firm sleep surface. Never place your baby on a waterbed, sofa, soft mattress, or other very soft surface.
- Get rid of soft objects and loose bedding. Never place pillows, comforters, quilts, or other soft/plush items near, on top of, or under your baby.
- Avoid overheating. Dress your baby in light sleep clothes. Keep the room comfortable for an adult wearing light clothes. The baby should not feel hot to your touch.
- Give your baby a clean, dry pacifier at sleep time. Pacifiers at sleep time are linked with a lower risk of SIDS. If your baby rejects the pacifier, don't force it. If you are breastfeeding, don’t use a pacifier until after the baby is 1 month old.
- Don’t expose your baby to secondhand smoke.
- Keep the baby’s crib/bassinet in the room where you sleep. This has been linked with a lower risk of SIDS.
Tummy Time
Babies should always be placed to sleep on their backs, but “tummy time” is important, too.
Give your baby "tummy time" when the baby is awake and being watched. Never leave your baby alone during tummy time. When the baby gets tired, place the baby on her back to sleep.
Co-Sleeping and SIDS
Some believe that co-sleeping (having the baby sleep beside you in your bed) might increase the risk of SIDS. Others believe that it might reduce risks, since co-sleeping parents and babies tend to wake up more during the night. Most medical experts do agree that co-sleeping may increase the risk of SIDS if the parent is a smoker.
Getting Help
For parents and families who have experienced a SIDS death, several groups provide counseling, support and referrals.
March 2008
