Understanding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a tragic and puzzling event that occurs when a seemingly healthy infant dies suddenly and unexpectedly, with no underlying medical reason for the death. It typically occurs during sleep, and often without any apparent warning signs. While rare, SIDS remains a leading cause of death among infants under the age of one. Despite years of research, the exact cause of SIDS is still unknown. But there are some known risk factors, including premature birth, low birth weight, exposure to smoking before and after birth, overheating, and sleeping on the stomach. Parents and caregivers can reduce the risk of SIDS by placing infants on their backs to sleep, ensuring a safe sleeping environment, avoiding smoking, and scheduling regular check-ups with their pediatrician.