Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

SIDS or Sudden infant death syndrome is when a baby younger that is 1 year old or younger dies suddenly for no known reason.  While there is no way to prevent SIDS from happening, there are ways to decrease the likelihood that it will happen. These include:

• Use baby bed with a firm mattress.
• Do not keep soft pillows, toys near to your baby when she is sleeping.
• Maintain temperature in your baby’s room where she will be comfortable (68-72 Fahrenheit)
• No smoking, tobacco and drugs inside the home or around the baby.
• Keep your baby’s crib in the parents’ room.
• Breastfeed.  Breastfeeding reduces the chance of SIDS
• Do not over clothe your baby while she sleeps
• Do not cover your baby’s head when he is sleeping
• Do not have your baby sleep with another child

Facts about SIDS

• Boys are more likely to be a victim of SIDS
• The risk of SIDS peaks between age 2 months to 4 months and almost all infants that are a victim of SIDS are younger than 6 months old. 
• Native American's have the highest incidence of SIDS
• SIDS most commonly happens when the baby is sleeping
• SIDS most commonly happens between 12 AM and 6 AM
• Approximately, 2500 children per year die as a result of SIDS
• Approximately 15-20% of SIDS cases occur in a child care setting
• A woman who did not receive prenatal care will increase the risk of SIDS 
• Researchers have not found any known cause for SIDS
• Japan has the lowest rate of SIDS and they have the a high co-sleeping rate