What is SIDS?
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, previously known as cot death) is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby where no cause is found. Thankfully it is uncommon, but it does still happen. It’s important to be aware of the steps you can take to lower the risk.
Although it’s a hard thing to talk about, it’s really important to be aware of SIDS as there are things you can to lower the risk of it happening. Taking these steps not only help to keep your baby safer, they can bring you reassurance and peace of mind too. These steps are often very simple, and you can find them throughout our safer sleep advice.
Other terms used by professionals
The term SIDS or sudden infant death syndrome is used when the death of a baby is sudden, unexpected, and there’s no obvious cause.
You might hear some other terms as well. Professionals sometimes say ‘sudden unexpected death in infancy’ (SUDI) or ‘sudden unexpected death in childhood’ (SUDC) if the baby was over 12 months old. They might also use the term ‘sudden infant death’.
Sometimes a sudden and unexpected death can be explained by the post-mortem examination. For example, the examination might find an underlying infection or metabolic disorder. If the death remains unexplained, that’s when the terms SIDS, SUDI, SUDC or ‘unascertained’ might be used.
What causes SIDS?
It’s not known what causes SIDS. For many babies, it’s likely that there are a number of factors involved during the early months while they are most vulnerable. Even though the exact cause is unknown, there are some factors that can put babies at a greater risk.
These risks include babies getting too hot, having their faces and heads covered for example by blankets or toys. As well as, babies having their airways obstructed, or being around cigarette smoke. However there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of SIDS which we explain in greater detail throughout our safer sleep advice.
What age are babies most at risk of SIDS?
Nine out of ten (91%) SIDS deaths happen when babies are six months old or less. The most vulnerable time is while they’re under three months, but it’s important to follow safer sleep advice until they are 12 months old.
Follow our safer sleep advice for the first twelve months. It’s evidence-based and includes practical, simple steps such as sleeping your baby on their back, on a firm, flat surface in their own separate sleep space, clear from extra items such as toys and pillows.
How can SIDS be prevented? What are the biggest risk factors?
While it’s not possible to remove the risks completely, you can lower it considerably by following our safer sleep advice. These steps are especially important for babies who were born premature or at a low birth weight, as they are at a higher risk of SIDS.
Some key steps for safer sleep are:
- Sleep your baby on their back for all sleeps, day and night. This can reduce the risk of SIDS by six times compared to sleeping them on their front.
- Share a room with your baby for the first six months. This can halve the risk. The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket, in the same room as you.
- Keep your baby smoke-free during pregnancy and after birth. This is one of the most protective things you can do for your baby. Around six in every ten (60%) sudden infant deaths could be avoided if no baby was exposed to smoke during pregnancy or around the home.
- Never sleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby as this can increase the risk of SIDS by 50 times. If you feel like you might fall asleep while you’re on a sofa or armchair, place your baby on a firm, flat surface.
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Do not co-sleep with your baby if you or anyone in the bed has recently drunk any alcohol, smokes or the baby was exposed to smoking in pregnancy. Do not co-sleep if you or anyone in the bed has taken any drugs or medication that make you feel sleepy. Do not co-sleep if your baby was born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or weighed under 2.5kg or 5.5 pounds when they were born.
Does SIDS have any symptoms?
There is no evidence to suggest that any babies who have died from SIDS had any symptoms.
Researchers around the world are currently engaged in a number of research projects aiming to find any underlying causes of SIDS, factors that might increase the risk, and any warning signs. The hope is that this research will give doctors information to help them identify babies who are at higher risk so they can work with the parents to keep their babies safe.
More frequently asked questions
After six months of age, the risk of SIDS falls. However it’s important to be aware that SIDS can still happen, so it’s best to keep going with the safer sleep routines until they’re a year old.
‘Cot death’ was a term often used in the past to describe the sudden and unexpected death of an infant. It has largely been abandoned because of the suggestion that these deaths only happen when a baby is asleep in a cot, which we know is not the case.
Thankfully, SIDS is relatively rare: 189 babies died of SIDS in the UK in 2022. However, it can still happen so it’s important to take steps to reduce the risk.
Our support team are here to answer your questions about SIDS and safer sleep for babies. Call our information line on 0808 802 6869, email [email protected] or fill in a contact us form. You can also talk to your midwife or health visitor if you have any questions or concerns.
We have been funding cutting-edge research into the causes of and risk factors for SIDS since 1971. Decades of research has formed the safer sleep, baby safety and infection prevention advice that we give today.
As we speak, researchers around the world are running studies aiming to find any underlying causes of SIDS. The hope is that the findings will help health professionals spot babies who are at greater risk and work with the parents to reduce it.
If you or someone close to you is bereaved, we are so sorry and we are here to support you.
Our confidential support services are here for anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or young child, whether the death was recent or many years ago. You can call our bereavement support helpline on 0808 802 6868 or email [email protected]. We have other services available too. Find out more about how we can support you.
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Remember
There are a number or simple steps you can take to help lower the risk of SIDS. While it’s not possible to remove the risk completely, SIDS is thankfully uncommon, and you can use this advice to help keep your baby safe and give you peace of mind too. Contact us or speak to your midwife or health visitor if you are worried to find out more and put your mind at rest.
Every baby safe. Every family supported.
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