SIDS Alert: How To Identify and Eliminate Risks To Your Child?

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