Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
What causes SIDS?
The exact cause of SIDS is unknown, but it's thought to be down to a combination of factors.
Experts believe SIDS occurs at a particular stage in a babys development, and that itaffects babies who are vulnerable to certain environmental stresses.
This vulnerability may be caused by being born prematurely or having a low birthweight, or because of other reasons not yetidentified.
Environmental stresses could includetobacco smoke, getting tangled inbedding,a minor illness or a breathing obstruction.There's also an association between co-sleeping (sleeping with your baby on a bed, sofa or chair) and SIDS.
Babies who die of SIDS are thought to have problems in the way they respond to these stresses and how they regulate their heart rate, breathing andtemperature.
Although the cause of SIDS isn't fully understood, there are a number of things you cando to reduce the risk.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) sometimes known as 'cot death' is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby.
What causes SIDS?
The exact cause of SIDS is unknown, but it's thought to be down to a combination of factors. Experts believe SIDS occurs at a particular stage in a babys development, and that itaffects babies who ar
What can I do to help prevent SIDS?
Below is a list of things you can do to help prevent SIDS. Do: Always place your baby on their back to sleep. Place your baby in the "feet to foot" position (with their feet touching the end of th
Information about your child
If your baby was affected by SIDS, your clinical team will pass information about him or her on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scienti
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