What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), sometimes referred to as "crib death," is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under one year of age. This syndrome is diagnosed after a thorough investigation, including a complete medical examination of the body, an assessment of the death scene, and a review of the infant's clinical history. If doctors cannot identify a clear cause of death after all these examinations, the death is classified as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome [2].

SIDS is the leading cause of death for children between one month and one year of age [1]. Most SIDS deaths occur when the infant is between one and four months old. Although the exact cause of SIDS is unknown, certain risk factors are associated with it, and there are preventative steps that can be taken to significantly reduce this risk [1].

What is the difference between SIDS and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)?

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) is a broader term that encompasses all sudden and unexpected infant deaths, whether the causes are known (such as injuries or accidents) or unknown. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one type of death within the SUID category, specifically those deaths that occur during sleep without a clear cause even after a full investigation [2]. An infant can die during sleep for reasons other than SIDS, such as accidental suffocation or entrapment, which fall under other sleep-related deaths [3].

Risk factors associated with SIDS

Although the cause is unknown, some infants may be more susceptible to SIDS. These risk factors include: prematurity (preterm birth), being male, and certain ethnic groups such as African Americans and American Indians/Alaska Natives [1]. However, it is important to emphasize that these factors do not mean SIDS will inevitably occur, and focusing on a safe sleep environment is vital for all infants.

Steps to reduce the risk of SIDS

Although there is no way to completely prevent SIDS, there are clear recommendations to significantly reduce the risks. The most important of these steps is placing the infant on their back to sleep, even for short naps [1]. This practice should be consistent for everyone caring for the infant. It is also recommended that the infant sleep in the same room as their parents, but on a separate sleep surface designed for infants, such as a crib or bassinet, for at least the first six months [1]. This allows parents to easily monitor the infant without sharing the same bed, which increases the risk of SIDS [3].

For more information on how to provide a safe sleep environment for your baby, you can visit Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Tips for a Safe Sleep Environment (Arabic).

Additional tips for a safe sleep environment

• Firm sleep surface: Use a firm sleep surface for the infant, such as a crib mattress covered with a fitted sheet [1].
• Avoid soft objects: Keep the infant's sleep area free of soft objects and loose bedding, such as loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, and crib bumpers [1]. These objects can increase the risk of suffocation.
• Room temperature: Ensure the infant does not become overheated. Keep the room temperature comfortable for adults [1].
• Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding may help reduce the risk of SIDS [1].
• Avoid smoking: Do not smoke during pregnancy or allow anyone to smoke near the infant [1].
• Tummy time: "Tummy time" is important for infants when they are awake and supervised, but it is not for sleep time [1].

Medical references

• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
• What is SIDS?
• Definitions & Terms