Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

The sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant, usually less than one year of age, which remains unexplained after: an autopsy, examination of the death scene, review of any symptoms or illnesses the infant experienced before dying, and, any other important medical history.

Because most SIDS deaths occur while infants are sleeping in a crib, SIDS is sometimes referred to as "crib death." However, cribs do not cause SIDS.

SIDS is a huge fear for many new parents. SIDS takes the lives of approximately 3,000 babies each year, most of whom are 6 months of age or younger. SIDS is rare in the first month of life; the risk of SIDS (also see Risk Factors) is highest between 2 and 4 months of age and slowly declines after that. SIDS can happen to any family no matter what race they are, how much money they make, or where they live.

SIDS Is:

• The major cause of death in infants from 1 month to 1 year of age; most deaths occur between 2 and 4 months
• A death that occurs quickly and quietly, usually during period of sleep
• Victims appear healthy prior to death
• Not predictable or preventable
• An infant death that leaves unanswered questions, causing tremendous grief for parents and families

SIDS Is Not:

• Caused by spitting up or choking
• Caused by "baby shots"
• Caused by child abuse
• Contagious. It cannot be passed from one baby to another
• Does not run in the family. It is not passed along from grandparent to parent and then to the baby
• The cause of every unexpected infant death

Age Distribution:  
90% of all SIDS deaths occur in infants less than 6 months of age
70% of deaths occur in infants between 2 and 4 months of age

Seasonal Distribution:
More deaths occur in the winter and fall months.

Population Distribution:
Approximately 3-4000 babies die of SIDS in the U.S. each year.  In Michigan, 99 infants died in 2000.  In Genesee County, 16% of the infant deaths in 2000 were due to SIDS and other sleep related causes.  SIDS in Genesee County in 2000 occurred at a rate of 1 per 489 live births; 60% male vs. 40% female.  SIDS affects babies of all races, religions and ethnic groups. 

Because the death of an infant is a disruption of the natural order, it is traumatic for parents, family, and friends. Without an apparent cause, the suddenness of the tragedy coupled with the involvement of law enforcement make a SIDS death especially difficult. Sudden infant deaths leave a great loss and a need for understanding.  The Genesee County Health Department provides bereavement support to individuals and families who have experienced an infant death.