Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as crib death, refers to the sudden and unexplained death of healthy babies any where from a month to a year old. Doctors and researchers have not been able to ascertain the exact cause for SIDS. However, they have identified many factors that may play a role.
The risk of SIDS may be particularly high in the following cases:
- Babies born prematurely or having a low birth weight
- Babies sleeping in any position other then on the back (sleeping on the stomach or side)
- Infants sleeping on extremely soft surfaces such as a foam couches and sofas, or waterbeds
- Infants sleeping surrounded by soft cuddly toys in the crib
- Infants sleeping in a bed with pillows, quilts, or blankets
- Infants who may be overheated due to warm clothes or blankets
- Infants sleeping in an overheated room
- Children who are regularly exposed to cigarette smoke, either in the home or elsewhere
- Children born to a mother who smoked during her pregnancy
- Children who share a bed with other people, apart from their parents and caregivers
- Children who share the bed with people who smoke, drink alcohol, or use narcotic drugs