By Adina Kisilinsky, Boston Children’s Hospital
Injury Prevention Department

October is Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, so we wanted to review what SIDS and safe sleep are, how to reduce risk for SIDS, and what parents can do to ensure safe sleep. 

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)

SUID is used to describe a sudden and unexpected death of a child under the age of 1 where the cause of death is not clear until after investigation.

SIDS is an unexplained infant death occurring during sleep, often attributed to suffocation or entrapment causing lack of oxygen. SUID is a more general term which encompasses SIDS and any other deaths from unknown causes.

While SIDS can occur any time during the first year of life, it is most common in infants up to 6 months. Infants are at risk for two primary reasons. First, their mobility is still very limited, so they are not able to free themselves if their face and airway becomes blocked with blankets or if they end up face down. Second, infants have an immature respiratory system and a slower arousal response to awaken and respond, meaning if they get too warm because they are sleeping too close to a parent or pillow, it can cause re-breathing carbon monoxide and they may not even wake up to cry out before it is too late. 

How can we prevent SUID/SIDS?

There are 3,400 babies that die from a SUID related cause each year in the United States. Not all occurrences of SUID are preventable, however there are several steps parents and caregivers can take to significantly reduce a baby’s risk. One of the key elements is ensuring a safe sleep environment for your baby. 

Here are 4 things you can do to make sure your baby is sleeping safe:

  1. Crib: Make sure your baby’s crib has a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. Never use blankets, pillows, or bumper pads and make sure nothing is covering the baby’s head. The crib should also be free of small objects that the baby could get near or in their mouth, such as toys or stuffed animals
  2. Position: Your baby should always sleep lying flat on their back until at least 1 year of age. Do not prop them on their side or place them face down.
  3. Sleepwear: Dress your baby appropriately for the weather, do not overdress them. Additionally, only dress the baby in a wearable blanket, onesie, or other sleep clothing for infants.
  4. Room Environment: Babies should never sleep in an adult bed, on a couch, or on a chair; neither alone nor with someone. Babies should always sleep in a crib or bassinet, not in bed with the parents or caregivers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room sharing for the first 6 months, but never bed sharing between a baby and their parents or caregivers. Instead, bring the crib or bassinet into the room.