Also called crib death.
The sudden death of a baby under the age of about twelve months in bed, without any identifiable cause.
The sudden death from an unknown cause of an apparently healthy infant.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is defined as the sudden death of an infant under 1 year of age that remains unexplained after a thorough investigation, which includes performance of an autopsy, examination of the death scene, and a review of the victim and family case history (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development [NICHD], 1997).
sudden, unexpected death of an infant or very small child. May be due to a previously unrecognized infection, allergy, respiratory illness, or as yet unknown causes. Some research points to infant sleeping position.
The sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant while asleep; also called SIDS. SIDS is the leading cause of death of infants in the first year; the highest incidence comes between ages 1 and 4 months.
The sudden death of an infant younger than 1 year that remains unexplained after a complete postmortem investigation, including autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the case history. This new definition (1991, CDC) adds the requirement that the death scene must be examined before the diagnosis of SIDS should be made.
The sudden death of an infant younger than 1 year of age that remains unexplained after a thorough investigation, including a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history. More than 90% of all SIDS deaths occur before the age of 6 months. SIDS is a major contributor to infant mortality in the U.S. and other industrialized nations. (About 2500 infants die of SIDS annually in the U.S.)
The sudden, unexpected, and unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant, typically occurring between the ages of three weeks and five months.
Referred to as cot death, it signifies the sudden and unanticipated passing of an infant that lacks a discernible explanation.
Potential factors that could increase the risk comprise: placing the baby in a prone position for sleep; excessive warmth; parental smoking following birth; premature birth and low birth weight; and unfavorable socioeconomic conditions.
Preventative actions encompass: guaranteeing the baby sleeps on its back at the bottom of the crib; maintaining the baby’s temperature (utilizing a light layer of clothing and blankets slightly warmer than an adult would require); and discontinuing smoking.