Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) refers to the sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant less than one year of age. Even after a full autopsy, these deaths remain unexplained. While the cause of these deaths is unknown, research has identified certain risk factors that make some infants more likely than others to die from SIDS.
Back to Sleep
- Babies who are put to sleep on their backs have a lower risk of SIDS. Tummy time is important, but it should occur when the baby is awake
Breastfeed babies
- Breastfeeding lowers the risk of SIDS and provides your baby with the nutrients he/she needs
Create a smoke-free and drug-free environment for your baby
- Babies who are exposed to tobacco smoke, alcohol and other drugs (both before and after they are born) have a higher risk of SIDS
Don’t let babies get too warm
- Babies who get too warm are at an increased risk of SIDS. Make sure that your baby is appropriately dressed for the room temperature (i.e. if you don’t need to wear your coat indoors, then your baby doesn’t either)
For more information on SIDS, please refer to our on-line Resource Catalogue for resources.
