SIDS Network of Kentucky

SIDS Happens! Educate Yourself!





What is SIDS?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a medical term
that describes the sudden death of an infant which remains
unexplained after all known causes have been
carefully ruled out through autopsy, death scene investigation,
and review of medical history. SIDS is responsible for more
deaths than any other cause in childhood for babies one month
to one year of age. It strikes families of all races, ethnic groups, and
socioeconomic origins without warning: neither parent nor
physician can predict that something is going wrong.




What Causes SIDS?

While there are still no adequate medical explanations for
SIDS deaths, current theories include: (1) stress in a normal
baby, caused by infection or other factors; (2) a birth defect;
(3) failure  to develop; and/or (4) a critical period when all
babies are especially vulnerable, such as a time of rapid
growth.





What SIDS is NOT:
* SIDS is not caused by external suffocation.
* SIDS is not caused by vomiting and choking.
* SIDS is not contagious.
* SIDS does not cause pain or suffering.
* SIDS cannot be predicted at this time.

  Always put your baby on his/her Back to Sleep!