What is SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)? What are the causes and are there any signs or symptoms?

According to the American SIDS Institute, 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.

The cause of SIDS is unknown, although there are precautions that parents can take to decrease the risk. Here are some of those precautions:

1. Parents should always place their infants on their backs while they are sleeping. Research has shown that infants that sleep on their stomachs have an increased chance of SIDS.


2. It is also important that firm mattresses are used, along with removing any blankets, pillows, bumper pads, toys, or other loose articles.


3. Keep the infants crib in the parents room for the first 6 months of life.


4. Do not over dress the infant during sleep.


5. Avoid exposing the infant to tobacco smoke.


6. Breast feed as long as possible.


7. Offer the infant a pacifier.


8. Keep the infant away from people with respiratory illnesses.


9. If your infant ever has difficulty breathing, or stops breathing even for a brief moment, contact the pediatrician immediately.

I have posted the link to the American SIDS Institute. There you will be able to find detailed information regarding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.