Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Go to the SIDS Homepage

Babies at Risk for SIDS

While exact causes of SIDS remain unknown, the risks associated with SIDS now are more clearly understood.
A greater understanding of the populations and behaviors associated with an increased risk of SIDS comes from medical and behavioral research, death scene investigations, infant mortality reviews, death certificate data, and epidemiology.

No Smoking around babyUnderstanding who is at greatest risk for SIDS and what behaviors increase the possibility of SIDS helps guide awareness, education, and training efforts to reduce the risks.

  • African Americans (2X greater risk)
  • American Indians (more than 2X greater risk)
  • Mothers who smoke during pregnancy (3X greater risk)
  • Babies who breathe secondhand smoke (2.5X greater risk)
  • Babies who sleep on their tummies (5X greater risk)
  • Babies put on their tummies to sleep who usually sleep on their backs (18-20X greater risk)

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, First Candle/SIDS Alliance, Reducing the Risk of SIDS in Child Care: Training for Child Care Providers. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2003

For More Information Contact:
Tina Goodwin, RN
Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health
PO Box 95026
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-5026

Phone: (402) 471-0165
Fax: (402) 471-7049
email: tina.goodwin@nebraska.gov

PDF GET Adobe Acrobat Reader