Sign in

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Written 16th April 2020 - Last Update 20th July 2026

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

The major cause of death between 1 and 12 months of age (peak incidence ~4 months); incidence ~1 in 500 births. Cause unknown; associated with low socioeconomic status. Now often discussed under the broader umbrella of SUDI (sudden unexpected death in infancy).

Risk factors

Prone sleeping position; airway obstruction/smothering (debated); artificial (formula) feeding (possible link); passive smoke exposure (before or after birth); hyperthermia/overheating; extreme prematurity (<32 weeks); parental narcotic/cocaine use; intercurrent viral infection.

Red Nose’s six safe-sleep recommendations (current)

  1. Always place baby on their back to sleep.
  2. Keep the baby’s head and face uncovered.
  3. Keep baby smoke-free, before and after birth (including second-hand smoke — vaping carries the same advice).
  4. Provide a safe sleeping space: compliant cot, firm mattress, lightweight bedding, no soft toys/objects, baby positioned with feet at the foot of the cot (“feet to foot”).
  5. Room-share — baby in their own safe sleep space, in the same room as a parent/caregiver, for at least the first 6 months.
  6. Breastfeed if possible — breastfeeding reduces SIDS risk.

Bed-sharing/co-sleeping is not recommended by Red Nose, but if a family chooses to (or does so unintentionally), safer (not safe) practices include: a firm flat mattress, no pillows/duvets near the baby, no other children or pets in the bed, no gap between mattress and wall/frame, baby on their back, and no parent who is smoking, drinking or on sedating medication — use a sleeping bag with no hood and the baby’s arms out (don’t swaddle for co-sleeping), and remove any strangulation risk (long hair tied up, jewellery, teething necklaces, dummy chains).

Management (after a sudden infant death)

  • Support the parents.
  • Offer lactation suppression: mechanical suppression, avoid nipple stimulation, expressing milk, a well-fitted bra, cold packs and analgesia; cabergoline 1 mg stat can be used.
  • The police and coroner must be notified.