Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a condition where an infant dies suddenly and unexpectedly, and the exact cause is unknown. However, researchers have identified some factors that may contribute to SIDS. These include:
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Problems in the area of an infants brain that controls breathing and waking up from sleep: Researchers have found problems in the brains of babies who died from SIDS, particularly in a network of nerve cells in a part of the brain that controls breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and waking from sleep.
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Underlying vulnerabilities: Babies who die of SIDS may have an underlying vulnerability, such as a genetic pattern or a brain abnormality. When theyre exposed to a trigger during early brain or immune system development, that vulnerability causes sudden death.
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Physical factors: Physical factors associated with SIDS include a babys sleeping position, items in the crib, and other conditions that may increase the risk of SIDS.
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Sleep factors: Sleep factors associated with SIDS include the babys age, sex, and whether they were born prematurely or with a low birth weight.
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Environmental factors: Environmental factors associated with SIDS include exposure to cigarette smoke, overheating, and soft bedding.
While there is no definite way to prevent SIDS, parents can reduce the risk by not smoking while pregnant or after the baby is born, and always placing the baby on their back when they sleep.
