Sudden Infant Death (SIDs)

SIDS is defined as sudden and unexplained death in a child less than one year old, whose cause of death isn't immediately obvious prior to the investigation. SIDS is a smaller part of Sudden and Unexplained Infant Death - some of these are later found to have a cause. Over 300 babies die every year from SIDS. There is nothing we can do that guarantees protection from SIDS, but we can reduce the chances.

The Lullaby Trust offers specialist support for bereaved families and anyone affected by SIDs. They also have a leaflet with safe sleep advice for parents:

•  Place your baby on their back to sleep. If they roll onto their front or side, roll them back again.

• Keep your baby smoke free
• Breastfeed your baby if you can. Even breastfeeding the baby some of the time can help reduce the risk of SIDs.
• Place your baby to sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first six months. 
• Use a firm, flat waterproof mattress in good condition.
• Using an orthodontic dummy after the age of four weeks MIGHT reduce the risk of sudden infant death.

Don't:

• Never sleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby. 
• Don't sleep in the same bed as your baby, especially  if you smoke, drink, take drugs or are extremely tired, or if your baby was born prematurely or was of low birth weight. 
• Avoid letting your baby get too hot
• Don't cover your baby's head or face whilst sleeping and use loose bedding. 

Management of SIDS depends on your hospital's protocol. Generally a senior Clinician (normally a Consultant Paediatrician) makes the decision to stop resuscitation. Specific protocols have to be followed and your hospital policies should be able to guide you on this.