The American Guild for Infant Survival, and its military families affiliation, provide the following information concerning Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), also known as Crib Death:

1. SIDS is a leading killer of infants between two weeks and one year of age.

2. Approximately 3,000 American babies die from SIDS each year! That's about one every three hours.

3. Generally SIDS is not predictable, not preventable, and is not anyone's fault. However, there are things you can do to greatly reduce the risk as outlined in this brochure.

4. SIDS is not a new disease. It has been around since ancient times. It is even recorded in the BIBLE in 2 Kings 3:16 to the end of the chapter.

5. Grieving the loss of an infant takes approximately one year before you return to functioning normally. However, the grief may last much longer.

6. SIDS is slightly more prevalent:
  a. among boys
  b. during winter months
  c. during extreme weather changes, and
  d. between two and four months of age
  e. among premature and low birth weight babies

7. SIDS can occur beyond the one year of age and before two weeks of age. However, statistically, 90% of SIDS deaths occur between one month and six months of age; 6% occur between six months and one year of age; and 4% occur prior to one month and after one year of age.

     Almost all babies will exhibit some of these traits. This is nothing to worry about. The possibility of problems exists when a baby shows one or more of the SIGNIFICANT traits, a few of the MEDIUM traits, several of the MINOR traits, or a combination thereof. This indicates your baby may need a second, closer look by his or her doctor.

1. HIGH RISK PREGNANCY OR BIRTH - Ask you doctor - this includes situation such as gestational diabetes, or other difficulties in carrying the baby. In additional also include a birth where the baby was in extreme distress either during labor or delivery.

2. MOTHER IN TOXIC ENVIRONMENT DURING PREGNANCY - i.e., toxic fumes from paint, etc. If mother worked in EXTREMELY toxic environment, this can be VERY SERIOUS.

3. ONE OR BOTH PARENTS SUFFER FROM APNEA - this is a sleep disorder which is often noticeable when the parent stops breathing periodically during sleep - it is "Involuntary Breath Holding".

4. FAMILY HAS HISTORY OF PREVIOUS SIDS DEATHS - this includes, but is not limited to: Aunts, Uncles, Brothers, Parents, Grandparents, Cousins, including ex-spouses and families.
5. MOTHER HAD SICKLY PREGNANCY.

6. Baby was 4 or more weeks premature, or under 5 lbs. at birth.

7. Baby has serious reflux problem (severe spitting up all the time).

8. A history of mulgiple miscarriages or still births.

1. ONE OR BOTH PARENTS SUFFER FROM CHRONIC UPPER RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS - this includes asthma, allergies, colds, flu, bronchial problems, etc.

2. HEAVY USE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, ILLEGAL DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, POOR DIET, EXCESSIVE CAFFEINE, OR SMOKING (or live with smoker) DURING PREGNANCY.

3. PREVIOUS MISCARRIAGES OR ABORTIONS.

4. LOW OR HIGH WEIGHT GAIN DURING PREGNANCY - under 20 or over 45 pounds.

5. MOTHER HAD OTHER PROBLEMS OR INFECTIONS DURING PREGNANCY - this varies depending on severity of problems or infections.

6. NOTBALE INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RETARDATION.

7. NOTABLE BIRTH - i.e., C-section, induced labor, heavy sedation during delivery, use of forceps, use of vacuum extractor, breech position, etc.

8. MOTHER IS UNDER 18 OR OVER 35 years of age.

9. EITHER PARENT HAS SEVERE REFLUX PROBLEMS.

1. MULTIPLE BIRTH, i.e. twins.

2. ONE/BOTH PARENTS SNORE - this is a sign of APNEA.

3. ONE/BOTH PARENTS ARE HEAVY BREATHERS (this is a sign of APNEA).

4. LITTLE EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY.

5. MOTHER GETS PREGNANT EVERY YEAR FOR THREE YEARS OR MORE.

6. MOTHER KEPT ODD HOURS DURING PREGNANCY - i.e., late night at home or work, etc.

7. MOTHER UNDER STRESS DURING PREGNANCY (either at home or work).

8. FATHER OR MOTHER USED DRUGS (legal or illegal) DURING TIME OF CONCEPTION.

9. PARENT OR OTHER CLOSE FAMILY MEMBER HAS AN INTUITIVE FEELING THAT SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT.

1. NO REGULAR SLEEP PATTERN/HABIT - baby does not go to bed at night or take naps at regular times/ intervals for regular periods of time. Quite often will not sleep all night and will awake at various times for feedings.

2. BABY IN TOXIC ENVIRONMENT - includes brand new or older homes, renovation of a home, spraying for insects, etc.

3. BABY SNORES - signs of possible APNEA.

4. BIRTHMARKS

5. NATIONALITY: Black, Aboriginal, American Indian, and/or Eskimo babies show higher than average incidents of SIDS.