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What Is SIDS?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under one year of age that remains unexplained after a complete 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 leading cause of death for babies 1 to 12 months of age.
  • The causes of SIDS are unknown, but you can reduce the risk of SIDS.

Risk Factors

  • Sleep position: Always place a healthy baby on their back unless a doctor advises otherwise. Babies placed to sleep on their tummies or sides are at higher risk of SIDS than babies placed on their backs.
  • Smoking: Babies exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to die of SIDS.
  • Bedding: Sleeping on pillows, soft surfaces and soft bedding are linked to higher SIDS risk.

Other potential risks include:

  • Low birth weight (<2,500 g)
  • Premature (less than 37 weeks)
  • Baby overheating during sleep
  • Mother smoking during pregnancy

SIDS Risk Reduction Checklist

  1. Always lay your baby to sleep on his or her back
  2. Breastfeed your baby
  3. Give your baby a pacifier until your baby is one year old at nap time and bed time. If you are breastfeeding your baby, wait until your child is 1 month old before using a pacifier.
  4. Don’t smoke around your baby.
  5. Avoid overheating your baby. Infants should be lightly clothed for sleep, and the bedroom temperature should be kept comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.