1. SUIDS

2. Definition of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS ) The sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant usually under one year of age which remains unexplained after a: complete medical history death scene investigation postmortem examination SIDS is a Diagnosis of Exclusion

3. What We Know The cause(s) of SIDS remain unknown SIDS cannot be predicted or prevented No one is to blame for a SIDS death Not parents Not caregivers Not emergency personnel or other health care providers

4. What Happens Baby is usually healthy or may have had sniffles or cold Baby is put down for nap or night Found dead minutes to hours later No sign of struggle or distress SIDS can happen in any family

5. Facts about SIDS The leading cause of death in infants between one month and one year of age in the U.S. Happens in about one of every 1000 live births Happens most often between two and four months of age Happens most often in winter

6. SIDS is Not Caused by: Suffocation Vomiting or choking Child abuse Disease or illness Immunizations

7. Maternal Risk Factors Young—less than 19 years of age Tobacco use doubles the risk of SIDS Substance use is associated with increased risk Limited or late prenatal care Short intervals between pregnancies

8. Infant Risk Factors for SIDS Male gender Infant age Low birth weight Multiple births Premature birth Babies can die of SIDS without having risk factors

9. Multifactorial SIDS Theory Infant’s Physiologic Responses DevelopmentEnvironment SIDS

10. Infant’s Physiologic Responses Oxygen reduced, carbon dioxide increased Arousal response deficit Subtle brainstem dysfunction

11. Development—age vulnerability 2-4 months—75% 4-6 months—15% Respiratory system is unstable in all infants May take less of an environmental stress to trigger SIDS at this age.

12. Environmental Factors Sleep position Smoking Temperature Bedding Swaddling Season Minor respiratory symptoms Drug use Poverty Limited prenatal care

13. Ways to Reduce the Risk of SIDS 1. Always place a baby on his/her Back to Sleep. 2. Never allow smoking around a baby. 3.Place a baby on a firm, flat surface to sleep. 4. Remove all soft things such as loose bedding, pillows, and stuffed toys from the sleep area. 5. Never place a baby on a soft chair or pillow. 6. Take special precautions when a baby is in bed with you. 7. Make sure a baby doesn’t get too hot. 8. Keep a baby’s face and head uncovered during sleep. 9. Share this information with everyone who cares for a baby.

14. When a Baby Dies by SUIDS It is stressful for everyone: Parents Family Professionals providing care