Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in the Child Care Setting

SIDS is a term used to describe the sudden, unexplained death of an infant that remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation that includes a complete autopsy, an examination of the death scene, and a review of the clinical history. 

SIDS is the leading cause of death of children 1 month to 1 year of age. In the United States, 5,000 to 6,000 infant deaths are attributed to SIDS each year. Many of these occur in the child care setting. 

The cause of SIDS is unknown. SIDS is not contagious. SIDS is not caused by vomiting, choking, or minor illnesses such as colds or infections.
Deaths due to vaccine reactions or child abuse are not classified as SIDS deaths. While we don't know what causes SIDS, we have identified four factors associated with increased risk of SIDS: 

However, risk factors alone do not cause SIDS. Most babies with one or more of the above risk factors do not succumb to SIDS. 

To decrease the risk of SIDS in the child care setting: 

Place babies on their backs to sleep.
This recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics 
and the National Back to Sleep Campaign applies to most babies. 
However, some babies should lie in a prone position, such as those with respiratory disease, symptomatic gastro-esophageal reflux, or certain upper airway malformations.  If uncertain about a baby's best sleeping position, consult the baby's parents or doctor. 

Don't smoke; provide a smoke-free environment for babies in your care; encourage parents who smoke to quit. 
Recent research indicates that the risk of SIDS doubles among babies exposed only after birth to cigarette smoke and triples for those exposed both during pregnancy and after birth. 

Use firm, flat mattresses in safety-approved cribs for babies' sleep. Don't use soft sleeping surfaces and objects that trap gas in the babies' sleeping area.

 The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued advisories for parents on the hazards to infants sleeping on beanbag cushions, sheepskins, foam pads, foam sofa cushions, synthetic-filled adult pillows, and foam pads covered with comforters.

Encourage mothers who breastfeed to provide you with bottled breastmilk that is clearly labeled with their child's name. 
Studies show that babies who died of SIDS were less likely to have been breastfed. Breastfeeding prevents gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses and infections.

 If a child in your care is not breathing and is unresponsive:

Immediately notify emergency medical personnel (dial 911). 

Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 

Immediately notify the child's parents.
 

If a child in your care dies: 
Do not disturb the scene of death (i.e., don’t move anything), if possible. 

Contact your emergency child care backup person to tend to the other children.

Back to Sleep

What is SIDS?

Risk

Information Links

Information

SIDS Alliance

American Academy of Pediatrics

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