Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) is the death of an infant less than 1 year old that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly, and whose cause is not immediately obvious. SUID is a broad term that encompasses all sudden infant deaths. Most SUIDs are reported as one of three types.
1. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
2. Accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed
3. Unknown cause
The first step to preventing sleep-related deaths is to understand and utilize the most up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations for safe infant sleep. These deaths often occur during sleep or in the baby's sleep area. Some examples of sleep-related deaths include:
- A baby becoming trapped between two objects, like a mattress and a pillow, resulting in difficulty breathing.
- The baby is experiencing a blockage in their airway due to pressure or constriction around the neck.
A baby sleeps in an adult bed alongside a parent or caregiver, who unintentionally rolls over onto them.
How to Create a Safe Sleep Area for Babies
Every year, approximately 3,500 infants in the U.S. die from SIDS. That’s why it is so important to practice the ABCs of safe infant sleep during baby’s first year of life. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, relative, friend, babysitter, or childcare provider who is caring for an infant, they are counting on you to keep them safe. Put baby to sleep Alone on his or her Back in a safety-approved Crib.
Alone - Put baby to sleep alone in a crib or bassinet to reduce their risk of SIDS. That means no other people, pets, toys, bumpers, pillows or blankets in the crib with them. It is the safest way for babies to sleep.
Back - Did you know babies that sleep on their backs are less likely to die from SIDS than those that sleep on their sides or stomachs? Practice safe infant sleep by putting baby to sleep on their back up to 1 year of age.
Crib - Keep baby in a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and tight fitted sheet to reduce their risk of SIDS. Never put baby to sleep on adult beds, couches, air mattresses, waterbeds, pillows, or in devices such as swings, bouncy chairs, infant carriers, or car seats.
Learn more at safesleepiowa.org.