What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?
SIDS is defined as the sudden and unexpected death of an infant less than one year of age during their sleep that remains unexplained after a thorough investigation. SIDS is the main cause of death in infants less than one year of age. The peak time for SIDS deaths to occur is between the ages of 2 and 4 months. Although it can happen to younger babies and older infants, approximately 90% of SIDS deaths occur in babies aged less than 6 months. Babies can also die suddenly and unexpectantly in their sleep from accidental smothering.
Safe Sleeping Education Program
At present, we do not know what causes SIDS or how to prevent SIDS. However, we can reduce the risk of SIDS and fatal sleep accidents.
As well as providing bereavement support services and raising funds for research into sudden infant death syndrome, stillbirth, miscarriage and neonatal death, SIDS and Kids WA delivers education programs designed to reduce the incidence of child mortality.
SIDS and Kids Western Australia has achieved more than a 70% reduction in the number of SIDS deaths through its health promotion campaigns, “SIDS & Kids – Three Ways to Reduce the Risk” and “SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping”.
Our education programs include providing Safe Sleeping advice. Follow our Safe Sleeping Tips for reducing the risk of SIDS and fatal sleep accidents.
The Reduce the Risk of SIDS in Aboriginal Communities (RROSIAC) Project. Aboriginal babies have a five times higher rate of dying of SIDS. The RROSIAC Project is designed to help save Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islender babies' lives.
Further Educational Resources
In addition to our educational Safe Sleeping programs, our website contains valuable information to reduce the risk of SIDS: