Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is also known as SIDS and is the sudden unexplained death of a baby of under 1 year old.
SIDS stands for sudden infant death syndrome.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexplained death of a baby younger than 1 year of age that doesn't have a known cause even after a complete investigation.
This investigation includes performing a complete autopsy, examining the death scene, and reviewing the clinical history.
While the cause of SIDS is unknown, many clinicians and researchers believe that SIDS is associated with problems in the ability of the baby to arouse from sleep, to detect low levels of oxygen, or a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood.
Although the causes of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) are still largely unknown, doctors do know that the risk of SIDS appears to peak between 2 and 4 months.
SIDS risk also decreases after 6 months, and it's extremely rare after one year of age.
When babies sleep face down, they may re-breathe exhaled carbon dioxide.
I remember reading of a few cases of babies dying from SIDS while laying on their backs but more babies die of SIDS if they are laid on their side or stomach.
Babies under 1 year old should always be laid down on their back and not their side or stomach while sleeping because while on the stomach and sides the baby can die of suffocation and SIDS.
After 1992 when babies were laid on their backs the amount of SIDS cases were reduced a lot so always lay your baby on their back if they are 1 year old or younger.
Also never put blankets, pillows, soft toys etc in the crib or bassinet with the baby if they are 1 year old or under because they can roll over on those items and suffocate.