Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

(Crib Death; SIDS)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected, unexplained death of a child less who is younger than one year of age. SIDS is rare during the first month of life. It peaks at 2 to 4 months of age, then gradually decreases.

Causes

The exact cause is not known. It may be linked to problems with the parts of the brain that control functions like breathing, waking, and heart rhythm.

Brainstem

Area of the brain involved in regulation of breathing.

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in infants who are less than 6 months of age. It is also more common in boys and babies who are Black, Native American, and Native Alaskan.

Other things that may raise the risk are:

Premature birth or low birth weight
Sleeping on the stomach or side rather than the back
Using quilts, blankets, pillows, or similar bedding items
Overheating from wearing too much clothing
Co-sleeping in the parent(s) bed
Lack of prenatal care
Exposure to tobacco smoke
Upper respiratory infections
Parental alcohol or drug abuse

Symptoms

A previously healthy infant does not respond and is not breathing after being placed in bed to sleep.

Diagnosis

All possible illnesses and causes of death must be ruled out before a diagnosis of SIDS is made. A complete investigation will take place. It will include:

An autopsy
Investigating the area where the baby was found
Reviewing the baby and family's medical histories

Treatment

Emergency treatment will be needed as soon as the infant is found. Infant CPR must be started. A baby who survives will need further medical care and evaluation to look for a cause.

Families of infants who do not survive will be referred to grief counseling and support groups.

Prevention

The risk of this problem may be lowered by:

Getting regular prenatal care during pregnancy
Not smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs during pregnancy or after birth
Putting infants to sleep on their back until 1 year of age
Using a firm sleep surface
Avoiding soft materials and loose bedding
Sleeping in the same room as parents but on a separate sleep surface
Breastfeeding
Not putting too many clothing or blankets on an infant
Offering a pacifier at nap time or bedtime
Getting advised immunizations

RESOURCES:

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.familydoctor.org

Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.healthychildren.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca

Caring for Kids—Canadian Paediatric Society
http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca

References:

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids. Accessed August 31, 2021.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Kid's Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed August 31, 2021.

10/25/2016 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance. https://www.dynamed.com/condition/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids: SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Evidence Base for 2016 Updated Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment Rachel Y. Moon, Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Pediatrics Oct 2016, e20162940; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2016-2940 .

9/26/2017 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance. https://www.dynamed.com/condition/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids: Psaila K, Foster JP, et al. Infant pacifiers for reduction in risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Apr 5;4:CD011147.

Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Kari Kuenn, MD
Last Updated: 8/31/2021

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