SIDS - Sudden infant death syndrome

Question 1

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Answer 1

• Cot death
• Sudden and unexplained death of a child under the age of 1
• Usually in first 3 months of life
• More common in baby boys
• Premature or low birth weight most at risk
• Mostly occur duing the night

Question 2

Risk factors for SIDS

Answer 2

SIDS occurs when 3 factors occur simultaneously:

• An underlying vulnerability in the infant (low birth weight or prematurity)
• A critical development period (usually 1-3 months of age)
• An ‘exogenous’ stressor (e.g. sleeping prone, smoking)