Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Each week, three babies die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in Canada. SIDS refers to the sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy baby under one year of age. Such deaths usually occur while the child is sleeping and remain unexplained even after a full investigation.

Nobody knows how to prevent SIDS, but the latest research shows that there are things you can do to make your baby safer:

• Put your baby on his or her back to sleep;
• Avoid putting too many clothes and covers on your baby;
• Make sure no one smokes around your baby; and
• Breastfeed your baby, it may give some protection against SIDS.

It is really important that parents who have lost a child due to SIDS not blame themselves. Until the cause or causes of SIDS are found, research can only show us how to reduce the risks.

What Information is Available?

The SIDS Web site managed by the Public Health Agency of Canada provides up-to-date information and publications on SIDS for use by parents, health professionals, researchers, school teachers and young adults.

Access the Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths to learn more about what is being done to solve the mystery of sudden and unexplained infant deaths, or to get the emotional support of those who are affected.

Preventing Flat Heads

Babies who sleep on their backs are much less likely to die of SIDS. However, babies who always sleep with their head to the same side can develop flat spots. The Flat Heads handout from the Canadian Paediatric Society tells you how to prevent this from happening.