Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexpected death of a seemingly healthy infant during sleep.
Although SIDS (also called crib death) is very rare, it is the most common cause of death in infants between the ages of 2 weeks and 1 year. It most often affects children between the second and fourth month of life. The syndrome occurs worldwide. SIDS is more common in premature infants, those who were small at birth, those that previously needed resuscitation, and those with upper respiratory tract infections. For unknown reasons, Black and American Indian infants are at a higher risk. It is more common among infants in families with low incomes, whose mothers are single or who used cigarettes or illicit drugs during pregnancy, and who had brothers or sisters who also died of SIDS.
The cause of SIDS is unknown. It may be due to an abnormality in the control of breathing. Some infants with SIDS show signs of having had low levels of oxygen in their blood and having had periods when they stopped breathing. Laying infants down to sleep on their stomach has been linked to SIDS.
Despite the known risk factors for SIDS, there is no certain way to prevent it. However, putting an infant to sleep on his back on a firm mattress prevents many but not all cases. The number of SIDS deaths has decreased as more parents have put their infants to sleep on their back. Parents should also remove pillows, bumper guards, and toys that could block an infant's breathing. Protecting the infant from overheating may also help but is not proven. Preventing infants from breathing second-hand cigarette smoke may help and clearly has other health benefits.
Most parents who have lost an infant to SIDS are grief-stricken and unprepared for the tragedy. They usually feel guilty. They may be further traumatized by investigations conducted by police, social workers, or others. Counseling and support from specially trained doctors and nurses and other parents who have lost an infant to SIDS are critical to helping parents cope with the tragedy. Specialists can recommend reading materials, web sites, and support groups to assist parents.
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