Crib death

Crib Death also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a term used to describe the sudden and unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant aged less than one year.

Definition

Crib death or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old. SIDS is sometimes known as crib death because the infants often die in their cribs.

Causes

Although the cause is unknown, it appears that SIDS might be associated with defects in the portion of an infant's brain that controls breathing and arousal from sleep.

Risk Factors

Researchers have discovered some factors that might put babies at extra risk. They've also identified measures you can take to help protect your child from SIDS. Perhaps the most important is placing your baby on his or her back to sleep.

Prevention

While SIDS can't be completely prevented, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. These include placing the baby on their back to sleep, keeping the crib as bare as possible, and using a firm mattress.

Symptoms

Most often, a relative or caregiver finds the infant dead after a period of sleep. The infant usually appears well before going to sleep and shows no signs of illness or distress.

Diagnosis

There's no specific test to diagnose SIDS. However, the doctor will need to rule out other conditions that might have caused the baby's death.

Treatment

There's no treatment for SIDS, but there are ways to help reduce the risk. These include placing the baby on their back to sleep, keeping the crib as bare as possible, and using a firm mattress.

See Also

• Infant mortality
• Sleep disorders
• Pediatrics

Crib death Resources
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