Sudden infant death syndrome (sids)

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Sudden infant death syndrome is the sudden, unexpected death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy infant 1 year of age or younger.

The cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is not known.
Putting infants to sleep on their back; removing pillows, bumper guards, and toys from the crib; protecting infants from overheating; and preventing infants from breathing second-hand cigarette smoke may help prevent SIDS.
Parents who have lost a child to SIDS should seek counseling and support groups.

Although sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS; also called crib death) is rare overall in the United States (about 1 in 1,000 births), it is one of the most common causes of death in infants between the ages of 2 weeks and 1 year. African American and Native American children have twice the average risk of SIDS. It most often affects children between the second month and fourth month of life. The syndrome occurs worldwide. There are many risk factors.