Pre-Clinical Teaching Plan- Sudden Infant Death

Syndrome (SIDS)
Background:
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is defined as the sudden and
unexplained death of an infant younger than one year old. SIDS is the
number one cause of death among healthy infants. Simple modifiable
risk factors in the home can prevent SIDS from occurring.
Causes & Risk Factors:
Race: Native American or African American ancestry
Gender: Male
Maternal socioeconomic status: smoking, illicit drug use, poor prenatal care, young age,
crowded household, parental unemployment, single parenting
Low birth weight
Low APGAR scores
Recent viral illness
Signs and Symptoms:
SIDS has no symptoms or warning signs
Treatment:
There is no treatment for SIDS
Prevention:
Place infant on their backs while sleeping, sleeping on the side is not recommended
Place infant on a firm sleeping surface (e.g. a firm crib mattress)
Avoid placing infant in bed with soft objects (e.g. comforters, pillows, quilts, stuffed
animals) and loose bedding
It is ok for the infant to be sleeping in the same room; however, avoid bed sharing. Place
infant in a separate crib or bassinet nearby.
Avoid overheating the infant during sleep (e.g. keep room temperature comfortable, do
not overdress infant, use a light blanket)
Avoid exposing infant to cigarette smoke
Immunize and breast feed infant- antibodies can protect against viral illnesses
Use of pacifier after one month of age shown to decrease the risk of SIDS

Resources:
Adams, S., Good, M., and Defranco, G. (2009) Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. American Family Physician, 79 (10):
pp. 870-874.
Lowdermilk, D. & Perry S. (2013). Maternity & Womens Health Care (8th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.

Lisa C., Student Nurse

Kapiolani Community College Nursing Program, Spring 2014