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If you're in need of
crisis intervention due
to a loss from SIDS:
Call 1-800-421-3511
for 24/7 phone contact to crisis counselors
E-mail us with a specific question or to provide a callback date and time
Go to the Bereaved Families section of this website for more information on coping with your loss.
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The incidence of SIDS is greater for: low birth weight babies (< 2,500 grams), babies whose mothers smoke during and after pregnancy, babies of multiple births (twins or triplets), babies born within 18 months of one another and babies of younger mothers.
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Physiological Basis for Risk Reduction Recommendations
A Brief Overview of Current Research Theories and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
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The cause(s) of SIDS is/are not known at this time.
Doctors are currently conducting medical research based on a wide number of theories. It is important to note that there may not be one single thing that leads to SIDS. -
Different factors may interact with one another to result in a SIDS death.
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Current research points toward a malfunction in the lower part of the brain, including the brainstem and the cerebellum.
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A SIDS death could occur due to a baby's inability to :
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Respond to a lack of oxygen in the environment.
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Respond to excessive carbon-dioxide levels in their system.
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Control heart rate.
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Control blood pressure.
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Regulate body temperature.
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Keep airways open.
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Updated April 28, 2009
Age Distribution:
90% of all SIDS Deaths occur in infants less than 6 months of age. 70% of deaths occur in infants between 2 and 4 months of age.
Seasonal Distribution:
More deaths occur in the winter and fall months
Population Distribution:
Approximately 3,000 - 4,000 babies die of SIDS in the U.S. each year. Each year in the state of Missouri, approximately 100 babies succumb to “sudden infant death,” occurring at a rate of 1 per 1,000 live births. 60% male vs. 40% female SIDS affects babies of all races, religions and ethnic groups.
SIDS Information
- What is SIDS?
- General and Common Characteristics of SIDS Babies
- Physiological Basis for Risk Reduction Recommendations
SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is the number one cause of infant mortality for babies from one month to one year of age. The definition of SIDS is the sudden, unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant, under one year of age. The death remains unexplained after a complete medical history review, autopsy and death scene investigation, which are required by law.
While the exact cause of SIDS is unknown, researchers have been able to identify factors that are associated with infants and infant care practices that increase the risk for SIDS. As a result, risk reduction recommendations have been established. Parents and other caregivers should remember that if practiced, these risk reduction techniques will dramatically reduce the risk of SIDS. Please visit the expectant parents and community page for specific risk reduction information.
General and Common Characteristics of SIDS Babies
(Dwyer & Ponsonby, 1995; Hoffman & Hillman, 1992;
Missouri Child Fatality Review, 1997; Dr. L. Hillman)