The risk factors for SIDS and Accidental Suffocation are basically the same with a few exceptions for SIDS because it is a medical diagnosis of exclusion and no clear cause has been identified. Since we do not know what causes SIDS, we can focus on the risk factors for Accidental Suffocation which is completely preventable and will also help reduce an infant’s risk of SIDS.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS):

Although there are some risk factors known to be associated with SIDS, there is no clear cause of SIDS. The strongest risk factor associated with SIDS is an infant’s sleep position and it is highly recommended that an infant be placed on its back to sleep, alone in a crib (or firm surface), with no other blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, loose bedding or bumper pads.

Risk Factors for SIDS:

• Age - All infants from birth to 1 year of age are at risk.
• Sleep position – infants who are placed on their backs to sleep are less likely to die of SIDS than infants who are placed on their stomachs. Placing an infant on its back to sleep is the number one way to reduce the risk of SIDS. Infants should be placed on their back to sleep and nap.
However, there can be cases where it is medically necessary that an infant sleep on its stomach. It is okay to place infants on their stomachs to play or when they are not sleeping. Placing an infant on its stomach to play will help the infant in develop the physical capabilities to lift the head and body.
• Sleep Surface – infants should be placed in a crib with a safety approved crib mattress and tightly-fitted sheet. Infants should NOT be placed on adult beds, pillows, quilts, loose bedding, sofas, or any other soft surface to sleep or nap.
• Sleep Area – it is important for an infant to sleep alone and NOT to surround an infant’s sleep space with soft objects such as big pillows, loose blankets, quilts, sheepskins, stuffed animals, bumper pads or pillow- like bumpers.
• Overheating – An infant should be dressed properly for the temperature of the room which should be between 65-72 degrees but no higher than 75.
• History of Chronic Illness – Studies show infants with a history of chronic illness (i.e. respiratory illnesses) are at greater risk of dying from SIDS.
• Prematurity – Studies show infants born premature (less than 37 weeks) are at greater risk of dying from SIDS than infants who are not born premature. Infants who are born premature are more likely to be born with chronic respiratory illnesses. Parents/caregivers are more likely to co-sleep with premature infants than infants who are not premature.
• Co-Sleeping – infants should NEVER sleep next to or with adults, other children, or other infants. Infants are safest when they sleep alone in the proper sleep environment.
• Smoking – Smoking during pregnancy, around an infant, or exposure to clothing and objects that contain smoke residue (i.e. furniture) can increase an infant’s risk of SIDS.

Risk Factors for Accidental Suffocation:

• Age – All infants from birth to 1 year of age are at risk.
• Sleep position – infants who are placed on their backs to sleep are less likely to die of SIDS than infants who are placed on their stomachs. Placing an infant on its back to sleep is the number one way to help reduce the risk of SIDS. Infants should be placed on their back to sleep and nap.
• Sleep Surface – infants should be placed in a crib with a safety approved crib mattress and tightly-fitted sheet. Infants should NOT be placed on adult beds, pillows, quilts, loose bedding, sofas, or any other soft surface to sleep or nap.
• Sleep Area – an infant’s sleep space should be free from toys and soft objects such as pillows, loose blankets, quilts, sheepskins, stuffed animals, bumper pads or pillow-like bumpers.
• Co-Sleeping – infants should never sleep next to or with adults, other children, or other infants. Infants are safest when they sleep alone in the proper sleep environment.