No, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is not the same as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is a medical term used to describe the sudden and unexpected death of an infant under one year of age, with no clear cause of death. It is also referred to as “crib death” or “cot death.”
Although the exact cause of SIDS is unknown, research suggests that a combination of factors may be involved. These may include the child's environment, medical conditions, and genetic factors.
The most common risk factors for SIDS include sleeping in an unsafe sleep environment, such as on the stomach or side, with loose bedding, stuffed animals, or pillows. Other risk factors include premature birth, low birth weight, and maternal smoking during pregnancy.
Sudden infant death syndrome is not the same as other medical causes of infant death, such as suffocation, infection, or accidental injury. It is also not the same as stillbirth, which refers to the death of a baby before or during delivery.
The best way to reduce the risk of SIDS is to follow safe sleep practices, such as placing the infant on his or her back to sleep, using a firm sleep surface, and avoiding the use of soft bedding. It is also important to not smoke during pregnancy, as this has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS.