Winter is a Peak Time for
SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the diagnosis
given for the sudden death of an infant younger than one
year of age that remains unexplained after a thorough
case investigation, review of the infant’s health status
prior to dying and other family medical history. SIDS is
the leading cause of death in infants between the ages
of two and four months. The causes of SIDS are still
unclear, but it is possible to reduce factors that
increase SIDS risk.
The number of infants who die from SIDS increases in the
cold winter months, according to the (NICHD). During
these colder months parents often place extra blankets
or clothes on infants, hoping to provide them with more
warmth. The extra material may actually increase
infants’ risk for SIDS or other unsafe sleep practices.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health,
Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Sudden Infant
Death Program reviews all Presumptive SIDS
unanticipated/unexplained deaths of infants under one
year of age and reinforces and promotes safe infant
sleep practices. Please assist us in increasing
awareness by educating both staff and patients on safe
infant sleep practices during these peak SIDS months.
Resource Links:
Safe Sleep Videos
Meet the SIDS
Parents
NICHD Alerts Parents to Winter SIDS Risk
Los Angeles County “Winter SIDS Alert” Letter
