Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the quick and sudden death of an infant. SIDS usually occurs when an infant is asleep, showing no signs of suffering. SIDS cases are given a “diagnosis of exclusion”. This means that after an autopsy has been performed, the death scene has been examined, and a review of the child’s history completed, medical professionals then rule out all other possible causes of death, and label the cause as SIDS.
SIDS causes are a mystery, it is a recognized medical disorder. It is listed in the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision.
Associations/Groups:
American SIDS Institute
National nonprofit health care organization offers information, education and family support.
528 Raven Way
Naples, FL 34110
Phone: 239 431-5425
Massachusetts Center for SIDS
Provides counseling , support groups, information & referral
Boston Medical Center Dept of Pediatrics
Dowling Building
771 Albany St
4th Floor, Room 4204
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617 414-7437 or 800 641-7437 (MA & RI 24-hour on-call service)
Email: shari.krauss@bmc.org
Program Director Shari Krauss
The National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health
Use this SUID/SIDS Gateway to find resources for states, communities, professionals, and families to reduce sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), promote healthy outcomes, and cope with grief when losses occur.
Georgetown University
Box 571272
Washington, DC 20057-1272
Project email: mchnavigator@ncemch.org
First Candle
Offers education, support and information for parents.
49 Locust Avenue, Suite 104
New Canaan, CT 06840
Phone: 203 966-1300
24/7 Grief Line: 800 221-7437
E-mail: info@firstcandle.org
Other Information:
SIDS Network, Inc
SIDS.ORG
SIDS and Kids
Bereaved Parent Support Groups Listings
Massachusetts Center for Unexpected Infant and Child Death has support groups listings for:
- Parents
- Families
- Grandparents
- Children
- Pregnancy Loss
- Women of Color
- Young Adults
Understanding Grief
Newton Wellesley Hospital has helpful information. Each person’s grief is individual. You and your family will experience it and cope with it in your own ways.
Grief, Loss & Traumatic Birth Support Links and Information
Massachusetts Birth Connections: Resources for bereaved family and professional caregivers. Has a store to purchase remembrance items, birth announcements, etc.
About SUID and SIDS
Centers for Disease Control: Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is a term used to describe the sudden and unexpected death of a baby less than 1 year old. These deaths often happen during sleep or in the baby’s sleep area.
Fact Sheet last updated on: 8/28/2024
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