Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the "sudden death of an infant under one year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history" (Willinger, et al., 1991).

SIDS occurs in all types of families and is largely indifferent to race or socioeconomic level. SIDS is unexpected, usually occurring in otherwise apparently healthy infants from one month to one year of age. Most deaths from SIDS occur by the end of the sixth month, with the greatest number taking place between two and four months of age. A SIDS death occurs quickly and is often associated with sleep, with no signs of suffering.

SIDS is:

• the major cause of death in infants from one month to one year of age, with most deaths occurring between two and four months
• sudden and silent--the infant was seemingly healthy
• currently unpredictable and unpreventable
• determined only after an autopsy, an examination of the death scene, and a review of the clinical history
• designated as a diagnosis of exclusion; that is, diagnosed when other causes are ruled out
• an infant death that leaves unanswered questions, causing intense grief for parents and families

SIDS is not:

• caused by vomiting and choking, or minor illnesses such as colds or infections
• caused by the diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccines, or other immunizations
• contagious
• child abuse
• the cause of every unexpected infant death

Safe bedding practices for infants to reduce the risk of SIDS include:

• Placing baby on his/her back on a firm, tight-fitting mattress in a crib that meets current safety standards
• Removing all pillows, blankets, toys—everything soft in the crib
• Using a sleeper so you do not need blankets for the baby
• Not placing baby on a water bed, sofa, soft mattress, pillow or other soft surfaces to sleep