What is SIDS?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden death of an infant, who is older than one month and under twelve months old, which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of an autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history (Willinger et al., 1991).

SIDS IS: SIDS IS NOT: The major cause of death in infants from 1 month to 1 year of age, with most deaths occurring between 2 and 4 months. Preventable, but you can reduce the risk by: Placing the baby on his or her back to sleep In an uncluttered crib, with a firm mattress Making sure no one smokes near the baby Keeping the baby from becoming too warm Sudden and silent — the infant was seemingly healthy. Child abuse or neglect. A death often associated with sleep and with no signs of suffering. Caused by vomiting, choking, or by a minor illness such as a cold. A recognized medical disorder. Catching. Determined only after an autopsy, an examination of the death scene, and a review of the infant’s and family’s clinical histories. Caused by vaccinations. A diagnosis of exclusion. Suffocation. An infant death that leaves unanswered questions, causing intense grief for parents and families. The cause of every unexpected infant death.