Danger level: High

What is it?

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS. Also called “crib death” or “cot death”) is the sudden death of an infant younger than one year of age, which is otherwise unexpected and unexplained.

Who gets it?

SIDS is the 3rd leading cause of mortality in babies in the US, and the number one cause between ages 1 month and 1 year.

Infants are at greatest risk of SIDS at ages 2-4 months, with most deaths having occurred by 6 months of age.

In the US, SIDS is more common in babies of Native American, Alaskan Native, and African-American origin.

What causes it?

The exact reason isn’t known, although there are some theories. One of these claims that these babies have some kind of underlying vulnerability (such as a genetic problem) and that they are exposed to a trigger (such as an infection) which causes SIDS.

One of the theories about SIDS involved the use of vaccines. There is NO EVIDENCE that childhood vaccinations increase the risk of SIDS.

How does it feel?

Most of the babies who die of SIDS die during sleep, often between midnight and 6 AM. They will show no signs that they suffered.

A crib. Read on to find out how to lower the chances of SIDS. Photo by jessicafm.

How is it discovered?

A review of the infant’s health, diet, sleeping habits, behavior and appearance is made. An autopsy is also necessary in most cases.

The bottom line – How do I avoid it?

The following things are known as risk factors for SIDS and can be changed:

1. Sleeping on the stomach – In 1994, a national education campaign named Back to Sleep was initiated, teaching parents about the importance of sleeping on the back, instead of on the stomach or on the side (which is also a risk, since the baby can turn to the stomach). Since then, the incidence of SIDS has gone down. The baby can be put on the stomach (“tummy time”) when it’s awake and monitored by an adult.
2. Maternal smoking during pregnancy – The incidence of SIDS is about 3 times greater in infants of mothers who smoke during pregnancy.
3. Maternal smoking after pregnancy
4. Soft sleep surfaces or bedding – Such as comforters, pillows, sheepskins, polystyrene bean pillows, and older or softer mattresses. They are all associated with an increased risk of SIDS. The baby should be placed to sleep on a firm surface. Soft objects (pillows, etc.) and loose blankets should be kept out of the crib, and the infant’s head should remain uncovered during sleep.
5. Overheating – The baby should be lightly clothed for sleep. The room temperature should be comfortable for a lightly clothed adult (approximately 65ºF, or 18ºC). The baby shouldn’t sleep next to a radiator or heater or in direct sunshine.
6. Bed sharing – Whereas room sharing without bed sharing is associated with lower rates of SIDS. For the first 6 months, the safest place for an infant to sleep is in a crib in the parents’ room.
7. Pacifiers (comforters) – They actually lower the risk of SIDS. The recommendation is to use it when placing the baby to sleep, but not re-inserting it once they are asleep. It’s recommended to use a pacifier once breast-feeding has been established (about one month of age).
8. Baby monitors, sleep positioners, mattress wraps – They have not been proven to reduce the rate of SIDS and are not recommended.

What next?

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