SIDS: What Parents Need to Know About Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, the unexplained death of a healthy baby under one year old, usually during sleep. Also known as SIDS, it’s the leading cause of death in babies between 1 month and 1 year in the UK and US — and while it’s rare, knowing the facts can make all the difference. There’s no single cause, but research shows certain sleep habits and environments significantly raise or lower the risk. You won’t find a magic fix, but you can take real, simple steps to protect your baby.

The highest risk comes between 2 and 4 months old. That’s when babies are most vulnerable, even if they seem perfectly healthy. The good news? Experts agree on what works: putting your baby on their back to sleep, using a firm mattress with no loose blankets or pillows, and keeping the crib empty except for a fitted sheet. Room-sharing — having your baby sleep in the same room as you, but not in the same bed — cuts SIDS risk by up to 50%. That’s not a suggestion. That’s what the American Academy of Pediatrics and NHS both say. And it’s backed by decades of data, not guesswork.

Another big factor? Smoke exposure. Babies exposed to cigarette smoke before or after birth have a much higher chance of SIDS. Even secondhand smoke from a partner or visitor matters. And while breathable baby blankets help, they’re not a substitute for following the basics. A swaddle that’s too tight, a overheated room, or a sleep positioner marketed as "safe"? Those are red flags. The safest sleep space is the simplest one: bare crib, back sleeping, cool room, no toys, no bumpers, no loose fabric.

What you’ll find below are real, practical posts written by parents and pediatricians who’ve seen the confusion firsthand. You’ll learn exactly when SIDS risk peaks, what fabrics actually help with breathing, how to spot unsafe nursery setups, and why some "must-have" baby products are doing more harm than good. This isn’t about fear. It’s about clarity. You’re not alone in wondering what to trust. Let the facts guide you.