ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

What is sudden infant death syndrome?

12 December 2025

It refers to the abrupt and unpredictable death of a baby less than one year old, which usually happens while they are sleeping, which is why it is also known as crib death. Boys are more prone to suffer from it, especially those between the second and fourth month of life.

Although the exact causes are unknown, clinical investigations point to the presence of certain alterations in the area of the baby’s brain that regulates breathing and sleep.

However, there are a series of conditions that can also increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, including:

  • Abnormalities in the immune system.
  • Family history.
  • Premature birth.
  • Maternal consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or illicit substances during pregnancy.
  • Congenital brain dysfunctions.
  • Sleeping with loose blankets or pillows.
  • Multiple pregnancies.
  • Exposure to cigarette smoke after birth.
  • Exposure to extremely hot weather.
  • Irregularities in heartbeats.
  • Respiratory infections.
  • Adolescent mothers and mothers without prenatal care.
  • Metabolic disorders.

Sudden infant death syndrome does not present symptoms or warning signs. Babies who die from this anomaly appear healthy before being put to bed.

Because sudden infant death syndrome is only mentioned as the cause of death when others are unknown, to find out why a baby died, doctors review the medical history of the minor and the parents, and perform an autopsy.

To prevent sudden infant death syndrome, pediatricians recommend following these guidelines:

  • Breastfeed your baby.
  • Make sure your baby is not too hot.
  • Avoid covering their head.
  • Ensure your baby receives their complete vaccination schedule.
  • Place your baby on their back to sleep until 12 months of age; a baby should never sleep on their stomach or side as they could roll over and cause a blockage of the airways.
  • Avoid smoking near your baby.
  • Keep soft objects and loose bedding away from the sleeping area.
  • Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.
  • Allow your baby to sleep in your room for the first six months of life, but in their crib, not in your bed.
  • Put them on a flat, firm mattress to sleep; avoid putting toys and stuffed animals in the crib.

At the Pediatrics Center, we provide specialized care to young patients from the moment of their birth until they become adults, through our pediatric care, oncology, neurology, and cardiology services at the level of the best medical centers in the world.

Related centers and departments Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Pediatrics Center
Internal medicine
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory
Cancer Center

Fuentes:

  • kidshealth.org
  • healthychildren.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • mayoclinic.org
  • msdmanuals.com
  • healthline.com
  • cigna.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Prian GA, Michel MC. Frecuencia de prácticas seguras de sueño en México para la prevención del síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante. An Med Asoc Med Hosp ABC. 2022;67(4):266-270. doi:10.35366/108778.
  • García GFE, Martínez SM, Moreno MMI. Síndrome de la muerte súbita del lactante. CorSalud. 2014;6(Suppl: 1):90-95.
  • Gorrita PRR, Román LJ. Síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante: un tema para la polémica. Revista de Ciencias Médicas de la Habana. 2013;19(3):.

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