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What causes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

The causes of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) are, by definition, unknown. As the name suggests, SIDS occurs when a seemingly healthy infant is found dead, usually while sleeping. SIDS is part of a larger category of deaths known as sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). An infant may be found to have died from another cause, such as accidental suffocation, infection, or a previously unrecognized birth defect. If post-mortem investigation has ruled out these other causes, then the death is defined as SIDS. So far, researchers believe that SIDS occurs when the brain stem (which is in charge of regulating our breathing, heart rate and sleep) fails to respond well to a temporary lack of oxygen.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is also known as 'cot death' and 'crib death'. SIDS is defined as any death of an infant under one year of age that cannot, after thorough investigation, be attributed to a known cause.

Is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) caused by infants suffocating?

No. If investigation finds out that the infant had suffocated while sleeping, the cause of death is not categorized as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), but as suffocation.

How common is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) currently occurs in one out of every 2,000 to 3,000 infants.

Who gets sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

Any infant is at some risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Some infants are at increased risk of succumbing to the syndrome because of factors such as: genetic predispositions; premature birth; developmental abnormalities; unsafe …

Can sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) be prevented?

Unfortunately, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) cannot be totally prevented, however, there are factors that help prevent it. These include adopting a safe sleeping position that can reduce the chances of SIDS. The safest sleep …

Does vaccination increase the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

Vaccinations do not increase the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). An immunized baby is actually at less risk of SIDS, because they are less prone to infections.

Do baby monitors reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

Baby monitors and other commercial products have not been found to be effective in preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in healthy babies.

Does breastfeeding affect sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Exclusively breastfeeding up to six months of age is particularly beneficial.

What increases the chances of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

The following factors (particularly parental smoking and the baby sleeping on the stomach or the side) may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): genetic predispositions of a baby; premature birth; …

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About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 07 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Votes: 1148 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Sleep and newborn babies

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