BY BIG SAM

What is SIDS?

Learn how to reduce your infant’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Every parent wants to do all they can to keep their little one safe. In the early days of your child’s life, the worries can feel constant, especially if you are a new parent. While sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS is rare, it is important to be aware of the steps you can take to reduce the risk.
What is SIDS?

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is when a baby dies suddenly, without warning and with no clear cause.
What causes SIDS?

There is no known cause of SIDS. However, research shows that a combination of factors increases the risk of SIDS occurring:
1. Physical vulnerability including premature birth and exposure to tobacco smoke in the womb.
2. Social vulnerability including lack of access to healthcare, low parental support and unsafe housing situation.
3. Unsafe sleeping environment including unsafe sleep position, bedding that can provide a suffocation hazard and exposure to tobacco smoke.

How common is SIDS?

To learn about the rate of SIDS in your country, visit the WHO database.

SIDS risk by age

Most SIDS deaths occur when babies are under six months old. However, SIDS can still happen after this period, so it is important to continue following safe sleep practices until your baby is at least one year old.

How can I prevent SIDS?

While SIDS cannot be fully prevented, you can take important steps to significantly reduce your baby’s risk.

1. Follow the ABCs of safe sleep: Always place your baby to sleep on their back in a clear sleep space free of any objects like bumpers, toys, pillows and loose bedding. Sleeping with a baby on a couch or chair is always unsafe because cushions, unsafe sleep positions, etc. can obstruct the baby’s airways and lead to suffocation.
   2. Keep them comfortable. Keep your baby from getting too hot or too cold by dressing them in bedclothes that are seasonally appropriate for where you live.
   3. Sleep near your baby for at least the first six months. Your baby should have their own, separate sleep space, but having you nearby helps reduce their risk of SIDS.
   4. Keep their sleep environment smoke-free. This is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your infant safe.