Everything you need to know about: SIDS

October is marked as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) month. Here’s everything you need to know about the condition.

What is cot death?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the term used to describe the sudden and unexpected death of a child under one year of age, for which no cause can be found even after investigation. It is also called “sudden infant death syndrome” or “cradle death,” even though cribs and cribs are not the cause of these deaths.

SIDS is one of the leading causes of infant mortality worldwide. However, the burden of SIDS has continuously decreased in recent decades, albeit with significant regional variations. A research paper published in Frontiers in pediatrics in June 2025, analysis data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study stated that in 2021, the global number of SIDS deaths totaled 30,608, with a mortality rate of 24.16 per 100,000 infants. Death rates fell by 59% between 1990 and 2021, with clear regional differences. “Regions with a low SDI [socio-demographic index] and minimal healthcare systems, especially sub-Saharan Africa, had the highest burdens, while regions with higher SDI and advanced healthcare systems reported significant declines. Male infants aged 1 to 5 months showed higher numbers than females.

Although most SIDS deaths occur during the first six months of a baby’s life, SIDS can affect babies as young as 12 months old. It is slightly more common in baby boys. Generally, SIDS occurs when the baby is sleeping.

Risk factors for cot death

Risk factors include: premature birth or low birth weight; a family history, as babies who have had a brother or sister who died of SIDS are at greater risk; exposure to smoking/passive smoke during or after pregnancy; alcohol consumption during pregnancy; overheating, unsafe sleeping positions or environments and poor prenatal care. Babies are at high risk between the ages of two and four months.

Possible causes

As the name suggests, cot death is an unexplained death. However, researchers have studied SIDS and believe that it may be caused by a combination of a few factors.

Researchers believe that babies who die from SIDS may have an underlying vulnerability: this could be a problem with or underdevelopment of the part of the brain that helps control breathing and waking during sleep. It could also be a genetic vulnerability or a vulnerability to environmental stress.

Vaccines do not cause cot death.

Sleep and cot death

Although SIDS cannot be completely prevented, safe sleep practices can go a long way toward reducing the risks. According to UNICEF, these include:

Follow the ABCs of safe sleeping: Always place the baby on his back in a sleeping bag cprovide a sleeping area that is free of objects such as bumpers, toys, pillows and loose bedding. Sleeping with a baby on a sofa or chair is always unsafe because pillows, unsafe sleeping positions, etc. can obstruct the baby’s airways and lead to suffocation.

Keep them comfortable: Make sure your baby doesn’t get too hot or too cold by dressing them in bedding that is appropriate for the season you live in.

Sleep with your baby for at least the first six months: Your baby should have their own, separate sleeping space, but having you nearby reduces the risk of SIDS.

Keep their sleeping environment smoke-free: This is an important step in keeping a baby safe.

Sleeping on soft surfaces can block a baby’s airways; the surface must be firm and flat. Stuffed animals, pillows and pillows can pose a suffocation hazard. Sleeping on the stomach and side can cause babies to have difficulty breathing and the baby may not be able to lift their head. The “feet to feet” position: making sure the baby’s feet touch the end of the crib or stroller and tucking the blanket in tightly so that it does not move or cover the head is recommended.

Other preventive measures

Breastfeeding babies can help lower the risk of SIDS. Getting babies vaccinated on time is another important measure. Experts also discourage the use of commercial devices marketed claiming to reduce the risk of SIDS. Give the baby plenty of ‘tummy time’ while he is awake.

Support and policies

Losing a baby to SIDS can be traumatic. Getting emotional support and/or professional help is crucial.

The Frontiers in pediatrics The research report also notes that while the global SIDS burden has consistently declined since 1990, including during COVID-19, significant regional disparities remain. “Improved healthcare interventions and targeted public health initiatives are critical, especially in regions with low SDI and minimal healthcare system resources,” the report states.