What is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is characterized as the unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant, typically occurring during sleep. SIDS is most commonly associated with infants between one month and one year of age, and the exact cause remains unknown, though research indicates it may be linked to factors such as sleep position, sleep environment, and genetic predispositions.

The nature of SIDS is such that it occurs without any prior symptoms indicating that an infant is ill, making it particularly tragic and difficult for families. Understanding SIDS is essential in child development and pediatric care, as it emphasizes the importance of safe sleep practices to help reduce the risk of unexpected infant deaths.