What is Sudden death?

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is defined as the sudden or unexpected death of an apparently healthy child less than one year-old. It is also known as cot death or crib death. The baby is generally found dead after being put to bed, showing no signs of having suffered.

SIDS is more likely to occur between 2 and 4 months of age, and affects boys more than girls. The majority of deaths due to SIDS occur during winter.

Measures to take to prevent sudden infant death:

• Avoid smoking by the mother during gestation and lactation
• Place the baby facing upwards for the first 6 months of life when sleeping
• Avoid smoking in the environment of the infant
• Avoid excess heating and bedclothes in winter
• The comfortable temperature is around 20° centigrade
• Breastfeeding the first six months