Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexplained death of an infant younger than one year old. Some people call SIDS "crib death" because many babies who die of SIDS are found in their cribs.

SIDS is the leading cause of death in children between one month and one year old. Most SIDS deaths occur when babies are between two months and four months old. Although health care professionals don't know what causes SIDS, they do know ways to reduce the risk. These include

• Placing babies on their backs to sleep, even for short naps - "tummy time" is for when babies are awake and someone is watching
• Using a firm sleep surface, such as a crib mattress covered with a fitted sheet
• Keeping soft objects and loose bedding away from sleep area
• Making sure babies don't get too hot - keep the room at a comfortable temperature for an adult

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome on Wikipedia

'''Sudden Infant Death Syndrome''', is the term for the sudden and unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant aged one month to one year. '''SIDS''' is a definition of exclusion and only applies to an infant whose death remains unexplained after the performance of an adequate postmortem investigation including (1) an autopsy, (2) investigation of the scene and circumstances of the death and (3) exploration of the medical history of the infant and family. Generally, but not always, the infant is found dead after having been put to sleep and exhibits no signs of having suffered. The inexplicable nature of the syndrome often leaves parents with a deep sense of guilt in addition to their grief. In the United Kingdom the term '''Cot death''' is synonymous with SIDS. Very little is known about the possible causes of SIDS. It is important to note that ruling a child's death to be a case of SIDS is not describing the cause of death, but in fact a statement that the cause of death remains unknown. Although there is no known way to prevent it, research has provided several risk factors which are related to an increased incidence of the syndrome. The use of baby monitors, particularly those with motion sensors, can allow the parents to remotely keep track of their child.

Risk factors

Prenatal risks

Post-natal risks

External Resources

Halo Innovations Inc. - Offers the latest in crib safety technology that claims to reduce SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) by means of ventilation. Includes physician reviews, medical information and articles.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in the Child Care Setting - U.S. National Center for Infectious Diseases Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information sheet.

At Health Newsletter - Resource links for pregnancy loss, sudden infant death syndrome, and widows' support.

University of Milan : Pathology - Offers undergraduate teaching for students of Medicine and Surgery, as well as residency and doctoral programmes. Includes details of research into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and cardiac conditions. In Italian and English.

Reducing the Risk of Cot Death - Current recommendations for reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Network - Offering information and related topics.

The American Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Institute - A nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the prevention of sudden infant death and the promotion of infant health.

SIDS - Sudden Infant Death Syndrome : Cot Death - Provides families with facts and information.

Guild for Infant Survival - Orange County - Serving families, educating the public and professionals, and eliminating Sudden Infant Death Syndrome through the support of medical research.

SIDS of Pennsylvania - Sudden Infant Death Syndrome - SIDS resources focusing on support, education, and research.

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