What are Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexplained Death of Infancy (SUDI)?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the number one cause of death in infants younger than one year of age. It is sudden and unexplained and after a thorough autopsy, no cause of death is found. Below are risk factors:
- Babies who sleep in the same bed as their parents
- Babies who have soft bedding in the crib
- Multiple birth babies
- Premature babies
- Babies with a sibling who had SIDS
- Mothers who smoke or use illegal drugs
- Teen mothers
- Late or no prenatal care
- Babies who sleep on their stomachs
Sudden Unexplained Death of Infancy (SUDI)
Sudden Unexplained Death of Infancy (SUDI) is defined as any infant death that is unexpected and initially unexplained. The cause of death is determined after a thorough investigation and autopsy. The deaths that remain unexplained are defined as SIDS.
Although, SIDS and SUDI are not preventable, there are steps parents, caretakers, and loved ones can take to reduce the risk:
- Waiting after giving birth to have another baby may reduce complication risks. Read more...
Important Facts & Information about SIDS/SUDI
