Understanding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Causes, Risks and Prevention

New parents have a lot on their minds as they adjust to life with a newborn, and helping their baby sleep through the night is generally on the list. But while many parents are willing to do whatever it takes to help their baby sleep well, Shehla Siddiqui, MD, neonatologist with Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania Newborn Care at Doylestown, says it’s important for parents to practice safe sleep with their child.

“Good sleep is important for both baby and parents, but in children under the age of one, it’s essential for parents to make sure they are following safe sleep guidelines. It can help keep your baby safe and prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS),” she says.

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

SIDS is the term used to explain the unexpected death of a baby under the age of one. In most cases, the baby is healthy and their death occurs while sleeping. According to the National Institute of Health, SIDS is the leading cause of death in babies between one-month and one-year-old in the United States. Approximately 2,500 infants die each year due to SIDS.

Dr. Siddiqui says that while researchers don’t know exactly what causes SIDS, they believe it may have something to do with the area of the baby’s brain that controls breathing and their ability to wake during the night.

Risk Factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Although SIDS can happen to any infant, there are factors that could increase risk. Some of these include:

• Age: most babies who die from SIDS are between two and four months old.
• Family history: babies who have siblings who passed away from SIDS are at a higher risk for it themselves.
• Premature: babies who are premature or have low birth weight are more susceptible to SIDS.
• Race: SIDS is more likely to occur in babies who are Black, Native American, and Alaskan Native.
• Sex: boys are at a slightly greater risk for SIDS.
• Secondhand smoke: babies who live in a home with smokers have a higher risk for SIDS.

During pregnancy, mothers may increase their baby’s risk for SIDS by:

• Smoking
• Using drugs or alcohol
• Not receiving routine medical care while pregnant

Sleep Safety and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

There is no way to prevent SIDS, but you can minimize your child’s risk by following the safe sleep guidelines developed by American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). “Following safe sleep guidelines is the easiest and best way to reduce your child’s risk of SIDS. At the end of the day, you and your baby will both sleep better,” says Dr. Siddiqui.

The AAP recommends:

• Breastfeeding your baby for at least six months reduces the risk for SIDS.
• Keeping your baby warm in a sleep sack, but avoid overheating and don’t use extra blankets.
• Not co-sleeping with your child. Make sure your baby has their own space to reduce the risk of suffocation.
• Placing your baby on their back and removing anything from the crib, including bumpers.
• Using a crib or bassinet with a fitted sheet for your baby. Don’t place your baby in an armchair or let them sleep in their car seat for a prolonged period of time.

There are many baby monitors and electronic devices that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS. Dr. Siddiqui says these devices should be used with caution. “There is no device that can eliminate or even reduce the risk for SIDS. The best method is to practice the safe sleep guidelines set in place by the AAP. If you have concerns or have trouble getting your baby on a sleep schedule, reach out to your pediatrician for advice,” she says.

Meet the Provider

Shehla Siddiqui, MD, is a Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia neonatologist and Medical Director of Newborn Care at Doylestown Hospital.