Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Treatment Overview

There is no treatment for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). A baby's death from SIDS cannot be predicted or prevented. However, you can take precautions that may reduce the chance that your baby might die of SIDS. The single most important thing you can do is place your baby to sleep on his or her back.

There are products that are marketed to help prevent SIDS, such as ventilated mattresses. However, no mattress or other product has been proven to lower the risk of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not advise the use of any product to help prevent SIDS.


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Author: Amy Fackler, MA
Debby Golonka, MPH
Last Updated: October 4, 2006
Medical Review: Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Julien I. E. Hoffman, MD - Pediatrics

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Topic Contents
 Topic Overview
 Symptoms
 Exams and Tests
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 Prevention
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