Palliser Primary Care Network

SIDS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Safe Sleep Practices

Kristen Neigum
October 1, 2025

SIDS is the unexplained death of an otherwise healthy infant, usually during sleep. It most often occurs in babies under one year old, with the highest risk between one and four months (CDC, 2023). Research suggests SIDS results from a combination of factors (Mayo Clinic, 2024).

While no single cause has been identified, risk factors may be:

• Infants who are exposed to second hand smoke (CDC, 2023)
• Babies placed on their stomach or side, or those with soft bedding and other objects in the crib (CPS, 2025)
• Recent respiratory illnesses (Mayo Clinic, 2024)
• Some infants may have underdeveloped areas of the brain that control breathing and the sleep-wake cycle (Mayo Clinic, 2024)
• Smoking during pregnancy, limited or lack of prenatal care and young maternal age (CPS, 2025)

Evidence shows that safe sleep recommendations should be followed as prevention measures. These are listed below and can be found on the Canadian Paediatric Society (2025) website:

• Always place infants on their backs for sleep
• Keep the baby’s bassinet or crib in your room but avoid sharing a bed
• Ensure the room is at a comfortable temperature, cool is better. Dress the baby lightly and appropriately for the temperature.
• Do not smoke (or vape) during pregnancy or around the baby
• Breastfeeding infants have a significantly lower risk of SIDS
• Pacifier use during sleep may also reduce the risk of SIDS due to the suck/swallow reflex
• Use an appropriate fitted sheet on a crib mattress and ensure there is no loose bedding or toys in the sleep space. Take off necklaces, bibs, ties and other items; if baby falls asleep in the car seat, safely transfer them to a flat surface when possible.

SIDS remains a tragic and unpredictable event, but parents and caregivers can take steps to lower the risk. Ongoing research continues to identify potential causes and prevention measures. This offers hope for even greater protection in the future (CPS, 2025).