Sudden infant death syndrome, also called SIDS, crib death, or cot death, is a term used to describe the unexpected death of an apparently healthy baby. In most cases, the baby is found dead a few hours after being put to bed. Most SIDS deaths occur among infants between 1 and 6 months of age. In many countries, SIDS is the leading cause of death during the first year of life.
To be considered SIDS, an infant’s death must remain unexplained after an investigation, including an autopsy and review of the child’s medical history. Scientists call SIDS a “diagnosis of exclusion” because it is based on finding no cause of death after a thorough search.
Scientists have identified several risk factors for SIDS, including the infant’s sleeping position, hazardous sleeping conditions, and exposure to cigarette smoke before and after birth. Babies sleeping on their stomach have a higher risk for SIDS, while babies sleeping on their back have the lowest risk. Doctors recommend that healthy babies be placed on their back for sleep during the first six months of life. In addition, crib bedding material can partially block an infant’s ability to get enough fresh air, which is thought to play a role in some SIDS deaths. Toys and pillows that can block the flow of air should be removed from a child’s bed. However, researchers have found that using a pacifier may actually reduce the risk of SIDS.
Some medical studies suggest that victims of SIDS may have been born with a defect that interferes with the nervous system’s ability to control breathing, heart rate, or blood pressure. Many scientists believe that research may eventually lead to tests that can detect infants who are at risk for SIDS.
