What is the Definition of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?
Article updated and reviewed by Daniel A. Rauch, MD, FAAP, Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Associate Residency Program Director and Director of Pediatric Hospitalist Service, New York University. Editorial review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network on May 2, 2005. One of the most devastating tragedies that can befall young parents is the sudden death of their infant. When the death is unexplained by history or a thorough examination, including an autopsy, it is defined as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants between the ages of one month and 12 months in the U.S. and has an incidence of 1-2/1000 live births or 5,000 to 6,000 deaths per year. This translates into one third to one half of all deaths in the one month to one year age group.
