Risk factors for SIDS

Risk factors for SIDS

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as crib death, is the sudden and unexpected death of an infant under one year of age, which cannot be explained after a thorough investigation. 

While the exact cause of SIDS is not fully understood, there are several known risk factors that may increase the risk of SIDS.

Here are some of the major risk factors for SIDS:

1. Age: Infants who are younger than four months of age are at higher risk of SIDS compared to older infants. The risk of SIDS peaks at two to four months of age and then declines as the infant grows and develops.

2. Sleep position: Placing an infant on their stomach to sleep (also known as the supine position) is a known risk factor for SIDS. Infants who sleep on their back are at lower risk of SIDS compared to infants who sleep on their stomach.

3. Exposure to tobacco smoke: Both active and passive smoke exposure can increase the risk of SIDS. Infants who are exposed to tobacco smoke, either before or after birth, are at increased risk of SIDS compared to infants who are not exposed to tobacco smoke.

4. Soft bedding: Using soft bedding, such as pillows, comforters, or quilts, can increase the risk of SIDS because it can interfere with the infant’s ability to breathe.

5. Overheating: Infants who are placed in environments that are too warm or who are dressed in too many layers are at increased risk of SIDS compared to infants who are kept at a comfortable temperature.

6. Co-sleeping: