Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Program

The SIDS Program focuses on providing education about SIDS, grief counseling and what can be done to reduce the risk of SIDS, such as placing babies on their back to sleep.

What is SIDS

In the United States, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death for infants from one month to one year of age. SIDS is the sudden death of an infant under one year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, requires a complete autopsy, thorough examination and investigation of the death scene and review of the clinical history of the family and infant. Most deaths occur between two to four months. There is no way to predict when SIDS will happen. Researchers now know that certain factors can be changed or controlled while a mother is pregnant and in the early months after the baby is born that can lower a baby's risk of dying of SIDS. Examples of ways to reduce SIDS are to place babies on their backs to sleep, avoid exposure to overheating and tobacco smoke.

What is SUID

SUID is the sudden and unexpected death of an infant in which the manner and cause of death are not immediately obvious prior to investigation. How are SUID and SIDS different? Learn more about SUID and how investigations are conducted and SUID is diagnosed.

Sleep-related deaths are one of the main causes of death for babies between one month and one year of age. In 2020, there were 192 Sudden and Unexpected Infant Deaths in California. These deaths often occur during sleep or in the baby's sleep area.

Some examples of sleep-related deaths include:

Baby getting trapped between two objects, such as a mattress and a pillow, and cannot breathe.
Baby has something pressing on or wrapped around their neck, blocking their airway.
Baby is sleeping in an adult bed with a parent or caregiver who accidentally rolls on top of them.
Lower health care costs by preventing catastrophic illness in infants and children

Other tips for safe sleep:

Keep your home and car smoke free.
Avoid smoking, alcohol, marijuana, and drugs.
Don't let your baby get overheated. Dress your baby in light and breathable clothing. You can check for signs of overheating such as sweating, a hot chest, or flushed skin.
Breastfeed, if possible.
Consider offering your baby a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.
If you fall asleep while feeding your baby, transfer them to their crib or sleep area as soon as you wake up.
If your baby falls asleep in a couch, armchair, car seat, stroller, swing or baby carrier, transfer them to their crib or safe sleep area as soon as you can. Resources
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Program- CADPH- https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DMCAH/SIDS/Pages/default.aspx
Safe Sleep Environment for Baby | NIH - https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/safe-sleep-environment
About Safe to Sleep | NIH - https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/about/terms
A Parent's Guide to Safe Sleep | Healthy AAP - https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx
Helping Every Baby Sleep Safer | Cribs for Kids - https://cribsforkids.org/

Program Contact

Gail Vue PHN III SIDS Coordinator
(831) 647-7801
VueG@co.monterey.ca.us

If you would like to learn more or wish to have a presentation in your organization or community please contact:

Gail Vue PHN III SIDS Coordinator - Tel: (831) 647-7801 - Email: VueG@co.monterey.ca.us