October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, a time to share information, honor babies lost and support families who have been affected. While SIDS remains one of the most heartbreaking and mysterious causes of infant death, learning about risks, safe sleep practices and ongoing research can help parents and caregivers feel more informed.

What is SIDS?

SIDS is the unexplained death of an otherwise healthy baby, usually during sleep and before their first birthday. Although often called “crib death,” it does not mean the crib causes it. SIDS typically affects infants between one and twelve months, most commonly between two and four months. About 90% of cases occur before six months. In the U.S., approximately 2,500 babies die from SIDS each year, usually suddenly and without warning, often overnight.

What causes SIDS?

Many experts refer to the “Triple-Risk Model” when explaining how several factors may combine to increase SIDS risk:

1. Underlying Vulnerability: Some babies have hidden medical differences that affect breathing, waking or heart rate regulation. Research shows certain infants who died from SIDS had brain abnormalities in areas controlling these functions or unusually high serotonin levels that disrupt breathing.
2. Critical Stage of Development: The first six months are a period of rapid growth when sleep, breathing and blood pressure systems are still maturing, making babies more vulnerable to stress.
3. Environmental Stressors: Even healthy infants face higher risk in unsafe sleep settings, such as stomach or side sleeping, overheating or exposure to secondhand smoke.

On their own, each of these factors may not be dangerous. But when they happen together, they can tragically increase the risk of SIDS.

SIDS risk factors

There are several factors that may increase a baby’s risk:

• Infant-Related Factors
  • Age: Most SIDS cases occur between two and four months old.
  • Sex: Boys are slightly more at risk than girls.
  • Race/Ethnicity: SIDS is more common among Black, Native American and Alaska Native infants for reasons not fully understood.
  • Premature birth/low birth weight: Underdeveloped brain control of breathing and heart rate increases risk.
  • Multiple births: Twins or triplets share risks tied to prematurity and low weight.
  • Family/medical history: Siblings or infants with apnea face higher risk.
• Prenatal Factors:
  • Age: Mothers under 20 have a higher statistical risk.
  • Smoking, alcohol or drug use during pregnancy.
  • Limited or no prenatal care.
• Environmental Factors
  • Secondhand smoke: Exposure to smoke increases risk.
  • Unsafe sleep position: Stomach or side sleeping can block breathing.
  • Soft bedding: Blankets, pillows or bumpers may obstruct airways.
  • Bed sharing: Sleeping with parents, siblings or pets raises suffocation risk.
  • Overheating: Too many layers or a warm room can hinder a baby’s ability to wake if breathing stops.

It’s important to know what does not cause SIDS:

• Cribs
• Choking or vomiting
• Immunizations
• Child abuse or neglect
• Common infections or illnesses

Can SIDS be prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent SIDS. Safe sleep practices and a healthy environment can make a difference though:

• Remember the ABCs of Safe Sleep
  • Alone: Your baby should always sleep alone in their own space, such as a crib or bassinet.
  • Back: Lay your baby on their back for every sleep until at least 12 months old.
  • Crib: Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet; keep the space free of pillows, blankets, toys and bumpers.
• Room Sharing, Not Bed Sharing
  • Keep the baby in your room: A crib or bassinet near your bed for the first six months is estimated to reduce SIDS risk by up to 50%.
• Temperature
  • Avoid overheating: Dress your baby in light layers or a sleep sack; keep the room comfortably cool.
  • Swaddling: Only for younger babies who cannot roll; swaddling should be stopped once your baby looks like they are trying to roll over.
• Feeding
  • Breastfeeding: If possible, breastfeeding has been linked to a lower risk of SIDS.
  • Pacifiers: It is believed that pacifiers may help keep airways open or reduce very deep sleep; however, if the pacifier falls out during sleep, don’t reinsert it.
• Lifestyle
  • Tummy time: Supervised play on the tummy, while awake, builds strength safely.
  • Avoid devices: Sleep positioners and monitors don’t prevent SIDS.
  • Checkups: Regular pediatric visits support healthy growth and safe sleep guidance.

Future of SIDS

Research continues to study possible genetic and neurological causes of SIDS. While there is no way yet to identify vulnerable infants, awareness and safe sleep practices remain the best protection we have today.

For more information on resources provided by Healthy Humans Hendry-Glades please visit  HealthierHendryGlades.org.