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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

SIDS is the sudden death of a baby under 12 months of age that remains unexplained even after a thorough evaluation. It usually occurs during sleep and is one of the leading contributors to infant mortality.

SIDS falls under the broader category of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), which also includes ill-defined and unspecified causes and accidental suffocation/strangulation in bed. A death is classified as SIDS only when no cause is found after a thorough investigation.

SEE SAFE SLEEP TIPS NEW JERSEY PROGRAMS & SUPPORT

 

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What Increases the Risk?

Unsafe sleep environments are a major factor in SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths. Other risk factors include:

  • Preterm birth
  • Prenatal and postnatal smoke exposure
  • Poverty
  • Late or no prenatal care
  • Barriers to health care access

Population variations in these adverse social and health determinates contribute to higher infant mortality in some communities.

New Jersey has made strong progress in reducing sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID). In 2022, the state’s rate was about half the national average and ranked second lowest in the nation. This improvement reflects the impact of safe sleep education and outreach led by the SIDS Center of New Jersey and its partners.

 

How to Reduce the Risk

While the exact causes of sudden unexplained infant deaths remain under study, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued clear, evidence-based recommendations to reduce the conditions that elevate the risk of these sleep-related infant deaths. See the full AAP 2022 Safe Sleep Recommendations.

The lists below highlight safe sleep practices that reduce risk, as well as practices that increase risk and should be avoided. Parents and caregivers should be aware of both.

 

Safe Sleep Tips

Do this every sleep

✓
Back sleeping, every time: Place baby on their back for all naps and nights.
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Use a firm, flat, safety-approved surface: Crib, bassinet, or play yard with a fitted sheet.
✓
Share your room—not your bed: Keep baby’s crib or bassinet in your room for 6–12 months.
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Keep the crib clear: No pillows, blankets, bumpers, stuffed toys, or positioners.
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Dress baby comfortably: Avoid overheating; about one layer more than you.
✓
Offer a pacifier at naps/bedtime (after breastfeeding is established).
✓
Breastfeed if you can: Any breastfeeding lowers SIDS risk.
✓
Avoid Smoking or vaping around baby or during pregnancy.

Avoid these risks

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Bed-sharing (or sleeping on a couch/chair with baby).
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Soft surfaces and inclined devices for sleep.
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Loose items in the crib (blankets, pillows, bumpers, plush toys, etc.).
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Impairment of the caregiver from alcohol, drugs, or sedating medications.
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Overheating: watch for sweating or a hot chest.
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Prolonged sleep in car seats, swings, or carriers when not traveling (These devices are not intended for routine sleep).
✕
Weighted material in baby's clothing or swaddle.

Guidance aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP 2022 policy and ongoing patient guidance) and CDC Safe Sleep materials.

 

New Jersey Programs & Support

SIDS Center of New Jersey (SCNJ)

SCNJ drives statewide efforts in prevention, research, education, and family bereavement support. Funding for SCNJ comes from NJDOH

Visit SCNJ Website

SCNJ "SIDS Info" App

Free, bilingual app offering evidence-based safe sleep guidance.

Available in the iOS App Store and Google Play (search SIDS Info).

Phone Icon
For families grieving the sudden, unexplained death of a baby
Call the SCNJ Bereavement Hotline: 800-545-7437

Trained staff provide support and resources to New Jersey families coping with the death of a baby due to SIDS.

 

Educational Materials & Videos

 

1 Minute Video PSAs

 

On Demand Webinars

 

Common Questions

No. Healthy babies have airway anatomy and reflexes that protect against choking while on the back. Back‑sleeping is safest. If you have additional questions, check with baby's health care provider.

Always start off sleep on the back for the first 12 months of life. Once baby can roll from back to tummy and from tummy to back on their own, continue to start off sleep on the back but it is then ok if they roll around and re-position themselves. Keep the crib clear of soft and loose bedding and continue other safe sleep steps.

AAP advises against bed‑sharing at any again the first 12 months of life due to increased risk. Room‑share instead: For at least the first 6 months, keep baby in your room on a separate, safe surface. The AAP recommends the use of a crib, bassinet, or portable crib that meets current safety standards. If you bring baby into bed with you for nighttime feeding and comforting, keep the space free of quilts, pillows, blankets, and pets. Return baby to the close-by crib when you are done. If you fall asleep while baby is still in the adult bed, return baby to the crib as soon as you awaken. The risk increases with the duration of bed sharing.

 

For Health Care Providers & Educators

 

Safe Sleep for Infants

Infants from birth to three months typically sleep from 14 to 17 hours a day. Make each hour of sleep a safe one.

LEARN MORE FROM SCNJ
Sleeping baby

 

Sources

 

This page is intended for public education and does not replace medical advice. Talk with your pediatrician or health care provider about your baby’s specific needs.