Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

________________________________________________________________________

KEY POINTS

• Sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, is the sudden unexplained death of a baby under 1 year of age.
• To help prevent SIDS, always put your baby to sleep on his or her back on a firm surface such as a crib mattress. There should be no soft toys, pillows, blankets, or bumpers in the baby's crib.
• Breastfeeding and using pacifiers may also help prevent SIDS.

________________________________________________________________________

What is sudden infant death syndrome?

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the most common cause of death in babies between 1 month and 1 year of age in the US.

Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is the sudden unexpected death of a baby under 1 year of age. It includes SIDS as well as accidental suffocation or strangulation and death from an unknown cause.

What increases the risk of SIDS?

The exact cause of SIDS may not be known. The risk is greater if:

• The baby sleeps face down or on a side, sleeps with soft bedding, or sleeps in a bed with others
• The baby sleeps on soft surfaces such as an adult mattress, couch, or chair
• The baby gets overheated when sleeping
• The mother smokes, drinks, or uses drugs before or after the baby is born
• The baby was born premature, or has a brother or sister who died of SIDS

Immunizations (baby shots) do not cause SIDS. They may help protect a baby against SIDS by protecting against infections that may increase the risk of SIDS.

How can I help prevent SIDS?

To help prevent SIDS:

• Be sure you put your baby to sleep on his or her back. Follow the ABCs of safe sleep: “Alone on the Back in a bare Crib.”
• Have your baby sleep in a crib made just for infants. The mattress should be firm. Don’t let your baby sleep in the same bed with other children or adults, or on a sofa, armchair, or pillow.
• Do not place soft toys or extra pillows in your baby's crib.
• Do not use loose blankets or other covers in your baby's crib. If you do use a blanket, tuck it in so that your baby's face will not be covered. Never let your sleeping baby's head be covered with a blanket, comforter, or quilt in the crib or in a car safety seat.
• Breastfeed if you can. Studies show that breastfed babies have fewer respiratory infections that may increase risk for SIDS.
• Try a pacifier if your baby is over 1 month of age. Pacifiers have been linked to a lower risk for SIDS. Do not force your baby to use a pacifier if he or she refuses.
• Do not overheat your baby's room. The room should be comfortable for an adult wearing light clothing. Your baby should not feel hot to the touch and should never be sweating while asleep.
• If you smoke or use e-cigarettes, try to quit. Avoid alcohol and drugs, especially if you are pregnant.
• If anyone else takes care of your child, be sure they follow these guidelines.
• Crib slat spacing should be small (less than 2 and 3/8 inches) so that a baby’s head or body parts are less likely to get stuck. The crib sides should not slide up and down. Ask your baby’s provider how to check for a recall on the crib due to safety or other reasons.
• Do not have window covering cords or power cords anywhere near the crib.
• Do not regularly let your baby sleep in a swing, car seat, or sling. The sleep position increases the risk of suffocation or choking and does not allow your baby to change position on his or her own.

Baby monitors have not been shown to prevent SIDS.

For more information about SIDS contact:

• First Candle
  800-221-7437
  https://firstcandle.org/