Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): An Overview
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a major cause of death among babies in the United States. It is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under one year of age. SIDS is the leading cause of death for infants between one month and one year of age.
Understanding SIDS Risk Factors
The exact cause of SIDS is unknown, but there are several factors that can increase a baby's risk of SIDS. These include: prematurity, sleeping on the stomach, sleeping in an adult bed, sleeping with soft bedding, exposure to secondhand smoke, and overheating.
Reducing the Risk of SIDS
While there is no sure way to prevent SIDS, there are steps parents can take to reduce the risk. These include: placing the baby on the back to sleep, using a firm mattress, avoiding soft bedding, using a pacifier, and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke.
When Does the Fear of SIDS End?
The fear of SIDS does not end when the baby turns one year old. While the risk of SIDS is highest between one month and one year of age, it is still a risk until the baby turns two years old. Parents should continue to take precautions to reduce the risk of SIDS until the baby is two years old.
