1. By: Victoria Owen

2. SIDS is the sudden unexplained death of an infant younger than 1 year old. It is the leading cause of infants between the ages of one month and one year. Most deaths from SIDS happen between 2 months and 4 months of age. Most deaths can be attributed to bad sleeping habits, but others may have been caused by Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD is when the stomach acids go backwards into the esophagus, causing the baby to spit up often. After a while, the esophagus becomes irritated and can result in choking episodes or aspiration pneumonia. It can also cause extended periods of not breathing. This is called apnea. If the apnea lasts long enough, the babys oxygen supply becomes too low and the baby dies.

3. A firm mattress covered by a fitted sheet. A safety-approved crib. Place the baby on its back to sleep. Use sleep-clothing instead of a blanket. Dont smoke near the baby. Keep toys and loose bedding out of the crib. Make sure nothing is covering the babys head. Keep the baby close, but not in your bed. Dont let the baby overheat while it is sleeping.

4. African American/ American Indian/ Alaska Native babies are more likely to suffer from SIDS than white babies. About 2,500 babies die from SIDS each year. More boys die from SIDS than girls.