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Sudden infant death syndrome is an unexpected death of an infant usually between 1 month and 1 year of age caused by factors that can not be determined. Death occurs usually occurs quickly while the child is sleeping. Children rarely die of SIDS before they are one month old.

Male infants die of SIDS more frequently then females. There are possibly up to 6,000 children a year who die from sudden infant death syndrome. There are more SIDS deaths in African American and American Indian children then in any other race. Hispanic and Asian families have the least amount of SIDs deaths to occur. The reason for this race factor is undetermined.

Sudden infant death syndrome is not diagnosed until all other possible causes of death have been excluded. An autopsy will be performed, the familys history is evaluated, and an in investigation is performed. Parents may be falsely accused of causing the childs death. Forensic science plays a major role in the investigation before the cause of death is determined.

Risk Factors of Sudden Death Syndrome
SIDS is unpreventable. There are risk factors that can be reduced. Prenatal care is important. The childs health during the pregnancy may be an influence. The position that the child sleeps in may be a risk factor. Exposure to smoke may play a role in increasing the possibility of SIDS. It is easy for a parent to feel that they were somehow responsible for a SIDS death. Parents may be able to reduce risks of sudden infant death syndrome. However, they should not ever feel that they are responsible or that they could have prevented the death.