Patient Education

Heart Health Library

Our Health Library does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their heart health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the death of a baby who is younger than 1 year old without a known cause. Typically, a parent or other caregiver puts the baby—who seems healthy—down to sleep and returns later to find the baby has died.

No one is at fault when a baby dies of SIDS. It can't be predicted or completely prevented. A baby's death is not considered a case of SIDS when a specific cause is found, such as carbon monoxide poisoning. SIDS is considered the cause of a baby's death only when the death remains unexplained, even after a thorough review.

SIDS is also known as sudden unexpected infant death (SUID).

Until the first birthday, placing babies on their backs when putting them down to sleep reduces the risk of SIDS.