Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – Symptoms and Causes

Understanding SIDS

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) refers to the unexpected death of an apparently healthy baby under one year of age, typically during sleep.

This condition remains medically unexplained, though researchers believe it may stem from abnormalities in the brain regions controlling breathing and arousal from sleep.

While the exact cause remains unknown, scientists have identified several risk factors. The good news is that parents can take specific preventive measures to reduce their baby’s risk.

The single most important recommendation is placing babies on their backs to sleep.

What Causes SIDS

Several physical factors can increase an infant’s risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome:

Brain Development Issues

• Some babies are born with underdeveloped areas of the brain that control breathing and arousal during sleep
• These neurological differences can affect the infant’s ability to respond when breathing becomes difficult

Premature or Multiple Birth

• Babies born early or as part of twins, triplets, or other multiple births often have lower birth weights
• This early arrival may mean the brain hasn’t fully developed systems that control automatic functions like heart rate and breathing

Recent Respiratory Illness

• Many SIDS cases occur after a baby has had a cold or other respiratory infection
• These illnesses can compromise breathing ability, especially during sleep

Sleep Environment Risks

The way a baby sleeps and their sleep environment can significantly impact SIDS risk:

Sleep Position

• Placing babies on their stomachs or sides for sleep creates higher risk than back sleeping
• These positions may make breathing more difficult and reduce the infant’s ability to wake if breathing becomes obstructed

Bedding Concerns

• Soft surfaces like fluffy comforters, plush mattresses, or waterbeds can block airways
• Firm sleep surfaces with nothing loose in the crib provide safer sleeping conditions

Bed Sharing

• Sleeping in the same bed with parents, siblings, or pets increases SIDS risk
• However, room sharing (baby in separate bed in parents’ room) appears to reduce risk

Temperature Issues

• Overheating during sleep raises SIDS risk
• Babies should be dressed appropriately for the room temperature without excess blankets or clothing

What Increases SIDS Risk

Several factors related to mothers may increase their baby’s risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome:

• Mother’s age – Women under 20 years old have a higher chance of having a baby who develops SIDS.
• Smoking habits – Mothers who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy put their babies at greater risk.
• Substance use – Using alcohol or drugs while pregnant increases the likelihood of SIDS.
• Prenatal care – Not getting proper medical care throughout pregnancy is linked to higher SIDS rates.

These maternal factors, along with other risk factors, contribute to SIDS risk.

These include the baby’s gender (boys face a slightly higher risk), age (2–4 months is the highest risk period), race (Black, Native American, and Alaska Native babies face higher rates), family history, exposure to secondhand smoke, and premature birth.

Preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Safe sleep practices can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While there is no guaranteed way to prevent SIDS, following these guidelines can create a safer sleep environment for your baby:

Safe Sleep Position

Always place your baby on their back to sleep during the first year of life. This “back to sleep” position is crucial for every nap and nighttime sleep. When someone else cares for your baby, make sure they understand this important rule.

Important: Only use the stomach position when:

• Your baby is awake
• An adult is watching
• You’re in the same room

Short supervised “tummy time” periods help develop muscle strength but should never happen when your baby is alone.

Safe Sleep Environment

Keep the crib as simple as possible:

• Use a firm, flat mattress
• Avoid mattress angles greater than 10 degrees
• Remove pillows, stuffed animals, and toys
• Don’t use thick padding, lambskin, or quilts

These items can block your baby’s breathing if their face presses against them.

Temperature Control

Don’t let your baby overheat during sleep. Instead of blankets:

• Use a sleep sack
• Dress your baby in layers
• Never cover your baby’s head

Room Sharing (Not Bed Sharing)

Your baby should:

• Sleep in your room for at least six months
• Sleep alone in their own crib or bassinet
• Use a mattress designed specifically for infants

Adult beds pose serious dangers for babies. Your infant could become trapped between the headboard slats or between the mattress and wall. A sleeping parent might accidentally roll over and block the baby’s breathing.

Feeding Choices

If possible, breastfeed your baby for at least six months to a year. Research shows breastfeeding can lower SIDS risk.

Pacifier Use

Offering a pacifier at sleep times may help reduce SIDS risk:

• Make sure it has no strap or cord
• If breastfeeding, wait until nursing is well-established (usually 3-4 weeks)
• Don’t force the pacifier if your baby refuses it
• Don’t replace it if it falls out during sleep

Vaccinations

Following recommended vaccination schedules is important. Research shows no evidence that vaccines increase SIDS risk. Some studies suggest vaccines may actually help prevent SIDS.

What to Avoid

Commercial Devices: Don’t rely on baby monitors or products that claim to reduce SIDS risk. These devices:

• Are not recommended by pediatric experts
• Cannot replace safe sleep practices
• Do not prevent SIDS

Safe Sleep Practice	Why It Matters
Back sleeping position	Reduces breathing risks
Firm, bare sleep surface	Prevents suffocation
Room sharing (not bed sharing)	Allows monitoring without suffocation risks
Avoiding overheating	Helps maintain safe body temperature
Pacifier use	May reduce risk during sleep
Breastfeeding	Associated with lower SIDS rates
Following vaccination schedule	May provide protective benefits