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SIDS/Safe Sleep

SIDS/Safe Sleep

What is SIDS?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under one year of age after a thorough investigation has occurred. This investigation includes an autopsy, death scene investigation and a medical history review.

  • SIDS is also called “crib death.” However, cribs do not cause SIDS.
  • In Louisiana, about 60-80 babies per year die of SIDS. SIDS is the number one cause of unexpected death in infants under one year of age.
  • The causes of SIDS are unknown. Most SIDS deaths are associated with sleep.

Risk Factors

Through its media messages, community outreach, public relations and professional education efforts, the Louisiana SIDS program creates awareness of risk factors that are associated with SIDS. These include:

  • Sleep position: Babies placed to sleep on their tummies or sides are at higher risk of SIDS than babies placed on their backs. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies are placed on their back to sleep.
  • Smoking: Mothers who smoke during pregnancy are three times more likely to have a SIDS baby. Being around people who smoke doubles a baby’s risks.
  • Bedding: Sleeping on pillows, soft surfaces and soft bedding are linked to a higher SIDS risk.
  • Other potential risks include:

Co-Sleeping and SIDS

Some believe that co-sleeping (having the baby sleep beside you in your bed) might increase the risk of SIDS. It is best to recommend that a baby sleep by itself in a crib, on its back.