What Is SIDS? Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant remaining unexplained after an autopsy, death scene investigation, and a medical history review. SIDS continues to be the leading cause of infant death, claiming the lives of approximately 3000 infants in the United States each year. In 1974, recognizing the impact of SIDS on families and communities, the importance of compassionate intervention, and the need to determine the cause of SIDS, legislators passed the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Act (Public Law 93-270). Although the cause(s) of SIDS has continued to be undetermined, factors that can decrease the risk of SIDS are being identified. As the body of research expands, it seems most likely that SIDS will have more than one explanation. SIDS Facts: Each year 3,000 - 4,000 infants in the U.S. die of SIDS: approximately 50 deaths occur in Maryland Infants between two and four months are the most frequent victims Infants appear healthy; death is rapid and silent, usually occurring while the baby is sleeping We do know that SIDS is: NOT caused by suffocation, vomiting, or choking NOT contagious or hereditary NOT a result of child abuse or neglect NOT predictable

The Center for Infant & Child Loss, UMBF, is a non-profit, 501-3C organization. Tax ID: 31.1678.679

© 2004 and Last Modified January 2004
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Department of Pediatrics Division of Behavioral and Developmental Pediatrics
Is funded, in part, by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Contact us at: caring@infantandchildloss.org | http://medschool.umaryland.edu

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