When an infant under the age of one year dies suddenly and unexpectedly, it is called sudden unexpected infant death (SUID).
Some of these deaths may be caused by suffocation, asphyxia, infection, metabolic diseases, heart problems, injuries (accidental or non-accidental), or other reasons.
In some cases, the death is considered to be from an undetermined cause.
Sudden unexpected infant deaths often happen during sleep or in the baby’s sleep area.
Cause
The cause of SUIDS is unknown. But it may be caused by problems in the area of an infant’s brain that controls breathing and waking up from sleep.
Researchers have found some things that might put babies at higher risk. They’ve also found some things you can do to help protect your child from SIDS. The most important action may be to place a baby on the back to sleep.
Prevention
Take the following actions to help reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths:
- Place your baby on his or her back for all sleep times—naps and at night
- Use a firm, flat (not at an angle or inclined) sleep surface. For example, a mattress in a safety-approved crib, covered by a fitted sheet.
- Keep your baby’s sleep area (for example, a crib or bassinet) in the same room where you sleep, ideally until your baby is at least 6 months old.
- Keep soft bedding out of your baby’s sleep area. This includes blankets, pillows, bumper pads, and soft toys.
- Do not cover your baby’s head or allow your baby to get too hot. Signs your baby may be getting too hot include sweating or his or her chest feels hot.
Additional recommendations to reduce the risk of SIDS
In addition to the recommendations listed above, other recommendations include:
- Do not smoke or use nicotine during pregnancy, and do not smoke or allow smoking around your baby
- Do not drink alcohol or use illegal drugs
- Breastfeed your baby, if you’re able
- Make sure your baby sees their health care provider for well-child visits
- Offer your baby a pacifier at nap time and bedtime (if you are breastfeeding, you may want to wait to use a pacifier until breastfeeding is well-established)