Standing for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, SIDS is the frightening and abrupt death of seemingly healthy children under one year old. As SIDS isn’t one single illness or disease, the death of an infant can ONLY be diagnosed as SIDS after every other option has been ruled out. As the occurrence strikes without any prior warning or notice, this disorder is particularly devastating for families.

It is leading cause of death in children in the United States between 2 weeks and 1 year of age. There are approximately 3,000 SIDS deaths per year, occurring between 2 and 4 months old, while 90% of all SIDS deaths occur within the first 6 months of age.

As most occurrences happen during sleep, usually between the hours of 10 P.M. and 10 A.M., the affliction is commonly referred to as “crib death.” It occurs most frequently during months with cold weather and is affected by irregular crib bedding.

While most deaths do occur during night time, it is vastly important to understand that SIDS can strike during daytime as well. According to a 2000 study by the journal Pediatrics, approximately 20% of SIDS deaths happen while the infant is in childcare settings.

Considering that babies spend much less time sleeping in a daycare than they do at home, this is a very high number. This painful statistic drives home the importance of making sure your child’s daycare providers are properly educated on following safe sleeping guidelines.

Although a single cause has yet to be established, researchers have discovered certain factors which can decrease the risk of SIDS. As further research is conducted, more information will be discovered and prevention methods will increase.