Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Causes of infant death that are linked to how or where a baby sleeps or slept are called “sleep-related.” These deaths happen by accident when a baby cannot get enough air. This is usually when the baby:

• gets trapped between two objects, such as a mattress and a wall, and cannot breathe (entrapment) 
• or has something pressing on or wrapped around their neck, blocking the baby’s airway (suffocation). 

A death from these causes is called a Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). SUID is when a baby less than one year old dies suddenly, and the cause was not clear before the death was investigated. These deaths often happen during sleep or in the baby’s sleep area.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one type of SUID. SIDS is when a baby less than one year old dies suddenly, but the cause of death cannot be explained even after it is fully investigated. This means a cause is not found even after a complete autopsy, a study of the death scene, and a review of the baby’s clinical history.

In Santa Clara County, most infant deaths are caused by unsafe sleep areas and are not found to be SIDS events. 

Infant deaths due to unsafe sleeping situations can be prevented. Every parent and caregiver can help protect their baby if they follow these safe sleeping guidelines:

• Babies need to sleep alone in a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and a well-fitted sheet.
• Babies should be put to sleep on their backs during naps or at nighttime.
• Babies should not be placed on their sides to sleep because they may accidentally roll onto their stomachs and suffocate (they may die because they cannot breathe).
• Babies should not sleep on adult beds, chairs, sofas, waterbeds, cushions, or nursing pillows. 

To learn about the safest way for your baby to sleep, download our Safe Sleep Guide.

Safe Sleep Guide

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