HealthLink BC File #46, November 2008

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

• What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?
• What causes SIDS?
• What can I do to reduce the risk of SIDS?
• If your baby has died from SIDS…

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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) occurs when a baby dies suddenly while sleeping. It is also known as crib death. SIDS is most likely to occur in babies between 2 and 4 months of age, and the death remains unexplained even after a full autopsy.

The cause of SIDS is unknown. Some babies are at higher risk of SIDS than others, such as premature babies and those with low birth weight.

Put your baby to sleep on his or her back on the firm and flat surface of a safety-approved crib.
Babies should always sleep in a crib that meets the federal government's Cribs and Cradles Regulations and a crib made after 1986.

Babies who sleep on their backs in their own cribs are at lower risk of SIDS than babies who sleep on their stomach or sides. Healthy babies and newborns do not choke or have other problems from sleeping on their backs.

You do not need to force babies to sleep on their backs when they can turn on their own from their backs to stomach, usually at 5 to 7 months of age. You should still put your baby to sleep on his or her back until 12 months of age.

When a baby is awake, some 'tummy time' lying on his or her stomach is necessary for healthy development. This also prevents temporary flat spots that may develop on the back of a baby's head.

Keep your pregnancy smoke-free and give your baby a smoke-free environment.
Cigarette smoke puts babies at higher risk of dying from SIDS. A baby exposed to second-hand smoke, or whose mother smoked before or after birth, has a much higher risk of SIDS. Do not let other people smoke around your baby, such as family members, friends or babysitters.

Speak with your doctor or public health nurse if you or your partner need help to quit smoking. You can also call toll-free in B.C. the Quitnow helpline at 1-877-455-2233.

Keep your baby at a comfortable temperature not too cold and not too hot.
You know your baby is warm enough when your baby's head is warm. An over-heated baby has a higher risk of dying from SIDS.

Dress your baby in the same number of layers of clothing as you would wear, plus one more layer. Use only a light blanket to cover your baby. No two babies are alike and a baby's hands and feet are normally a little cool. Check the back of your baby's neck, and take off a layer if your baby is sweating there.

Breastfeed your baby
Babies who are breastfed may have a lower risk of dying from SIDS. Breastfeeding also gives your baby many long-term health, nutritional and psychological benefits, including a strong immune system.

Breastfeeding is easier when you share a room with your baby. This means your baby sleeps near you in a safe crib, allowing you to be close to your baby without sharing the same bed surface.

For help with breastfeeding, speak with your doctor, public health nurse, registered midwife, or local breastfeeding support group.

Do not use alcohol or drugs
The use of certain drugs or substances during and after pregnancy is strongly discouraged. This includes alcohol, marijuana, crack, cocaine, heroin, and others. Evidence suggests that the use of these substances may increase the risk of SIDS.

If you or your partner need support to stop using alcohol or drugs, call your local public health unit to find out about services in your area. You can also call the Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service: in Greater Vancouver call 604-660-9383, and in B.C. call toll-free 1-800-663-1441.

Do not share a bed with your baby
Babies who sleep in their own safety-approved cribs are much safer than when they share a bed. They should always sleep in a crib for the first year until 12 months of age.

Bed-sharing is a common practice for many families. However, babies who share a bed or sleep surface with adults, older siblings, other children or pets are at risk of suffocation from being laid on. The risk of SIDS is greater for the baby when sharing a bed with a person who may be overweight, smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs which may make them less responsive.

Sharing a room helps protect your baby against SIDS, and it is a safer sleeping arrangement than sharing a bed.

For more information, see HealthLink BC File #107 Safe Sleeping for Babies.

If you have lost a baby to SIDS, try to understand that not all cases of SIDS can be prevented. Following the tips in this HealthFile can reduce the risks, but the causes of SIDS are still unknown.

Remember, there are people who can help you during the time of your grief. Your doctor, public health nurse, or others can help you to find counseling or a parent support group.

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