Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction
Causes
Risk factors

Complications
Prevention
Coping skills

Introduction

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and explained death of a seemingly healthy baby.

Typically, a peacefully sleeping baby simply never wakes up. In most cases, no cause is ever found. Most SIDS deaths occur in children who are between 2 months and 4 months old. Sudden infant death syndrome rarely occurs before 1 month of age or after 6 months.

Although the exact cause of sudden infant death syndrome is still unknown, researchers have discovered some factors that may put babies at risk. They've also identified simple measures you can take to help protect your child from sudden infant death syndrome. Perhaps the most important is placing your baby to sleep on his or her back.

Causes