Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Also called: Crib death, SIDS

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. Premature babies, boys, African Americans, and American Indian/Alaska Native infants have a higher risk of SIDS.

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.
Don't smoke during pregnancy or allow anyone to smoke near your baby

NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Symptoms of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

The following features are indicative of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome:

unexplained infant death

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Common Causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

The following are the most common causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome:

brain abnormalities
low birth weight
premature birth
respiratory infection
sleeping on the stomach or side
sleeping on a soft surface

Risk Factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome:

baby boys
infant aged 2 or 3 months
American Indians
Alaska Native infants
family history
secondhand smoke
being premature

Prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:

place baby to sleep resting on his or her back, rather than on the stomach or side
use a firm mattress
avoid placing baby on thick, fluffy padding
don't overheat baby
have baby sleep in parents' room until age 1
breastfeeding for at least six months

Occurrence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome cases seen each year worldwide:

Rare between 10K - 50K cases

Common Age Group

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome most commonly occurs in the following age group:

Less than 1 year old

Common Gender

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Sudden Infant Death Syndrome:

Autopsy:To determine the cause and manner of death and to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present

Doctor for Diagnosis of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome:

Pediatrician

Complications of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome if untreated

It is not know if Sudden Infant Death Syndrome causes complications if left untreated.

Patient Support for Treatment of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

The following actions may help Sudden Infant Death Syndrome patients:

Communicate your feelings: Helps providing emotional support
Counseling: Help couples understand and express their feelings

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.

This page provides information for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Bereavement

Bereavement is the period of grief and mourning after a death. ...

Bereavement

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Symptoms of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

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Common Causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Risk Factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Occurrence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Number of Cases

Common Age Group

Common Gender

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Doctor for Diagnosis of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Complications of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome if untreated

Patient Support for Treatment of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

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