What causes SIDS?
Reducing the risks of SIDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Checking your baby's breathing
SIDS, CPR and other considerations
National SIDS Council of Australia
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or 'SIDS' (previously known as 'cot death'), refers to the sudden, unexpected death of a baby or young child, where the cause is not known. SIDS was first defined as a cause of death in babies in 1969. Since then, research has identified many possible factors that may contribute to causing SIDS.
A public health education campaign was launched in Australia in 1991 (called "Reducing the risk of SIDS'). This was aimed at increasing the awareness in the general community of the possible factors that may cause SIDS and has lead to a dramatic reduction in the number of babies dying from SIDS each year. In 1989 in Australia, 513 babies died from SIDS. Since 2000, around 120 to 140 babies have died from SIDS each year.
Despite the reduced incidence of SIDS in recent years, it still remains one of the most common causes of death in babies under 12 months of age. SIDS occurs more often in babies between 4 to 6 months of age, but may happen in younger and older babies (and in very rare cases, children up to 2 years). SIDS can occur in both breast and bottle fed babies, it tends to happen more in the winter months than in summer and of the babies who die from SIDS, 60% are boys and 40% are girls.
However, it is important to remember that:
1,999 of 2,000 babies will NOT die from SIDS
What causes SIDS?
Unfortunately, the cause of SIDS is still not clear, but research continues. At this stage, it is thought that SIDS may be related to a number of factors working together to increase the likelihood of it occurring. These factors can include: