At what age can i stop worrying about sids

SIDS falls under the broader category of sudden unexpected infant deaths SUIDs , which typically occur during sleep or in a baby's sleep area. SUIDs also include deaths from accidental suffocation or strangulation, and from unknown causes.

While that number is tragic — and can be terrifying for new parents — it's important to remember that this is very unlikely to happen to your baby. And, even though there's no sure way to prevent SIDS, you can take important steps to reduce your baby's risk.

Researchers have learned a lot about SIDS, but they still have no definitive answer to what causes it. Most experts believe that SIDS occurs when a baby has an underlying physical vulnerability such as immature or abnormal functioning of the heart, breathing, or arousal and is exposed to certain stressful factors such as sleeping tummy-down or being dressed too warmly during a critical period of development. Recent research suggests that inadequate levels of the brain chemical serotonin may make an infant more vulnerable to SIDS.

Experts found that up to 70 percent of babies who died from SIDS had lower than normal levels of serotonin in the brain stem. Serotonin helps regulate breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure during sleep. Researchers have also identified common risk factors for SIDS, as well as ways to protect your baby. It's also crucial that all of your baby's caregivers follow these guidelines, including relatives, babysitters, and childcare providers like nannies and daycare staff.

About 15 to 20 percent of SIDS deaths happen in childcare settings. This is a surprisingly high number considering that babies spend less time sleeping at daycare than they do at home. This statistic shows how important it is to make sure that everyone who cares for your child follows safe sleep practices for babies. After 6 months old, your baby's risk of SIDS drops significantly.

Researchers don't know why the risk drops when it does, but a baby's brain development and maturing physical ability probably play a role. During the first six months of life, a baby experiences rapid brain growth and developmental changes that affect sleep patterns, cardiorespiratory control, metabolism, and physical ability.

So when a more mature baby is placed in a sleep environment with pillows or loose bedding, for example, they may be able to lift their head, shift away, or roll over.

An older baby can also overcome the risk by waking up and complaining more readily, or by better regulating their breathing. But 10 percent of SIDS cases happen to babies over 6 months old, and older babies are still at risk for accidental suffocation or strangulation. That's why experts recommend that you follow safe sleep recommendations until your baby's first birthday — including placing your baby on their back when you put them down to sleep. Once your baby is strong enough to roll over , don't worry about them not staying on their back all night.

If your baby rolls onto their side or stomach while sleeping, you don't have to flip them onto their back. But it is important to stop swaddling once your baby starts trying to roll over or is able to get out of the swaddle.

These scenarios can cause your baby to get unsafely bound up in the swaddle, have their face covered, or even suffocate in a face-down position. Also, stop using a bassinet once your baby is pushing up onto their hands and knees. Once your baby reaches this milestone, they could fall out. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendation for your bassinet — because they aren't as deep, heavy, and sturdy as cribs, bassinets are usually only safe to use until your baby is between 4 and 6 months old.

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When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths: Updated recommendations for a safe infant sleeping environment.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatrics 5. Anderson T, et al. Maternal smoking before and during pregnancy and the risk of sudden unexpected infant death. Pediatrics 4. Reduce the risk. Helping babies sleep safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sudden unexpected infant death and sudden infant death syndrome. Hauck FR, et al. Breastfeeding and reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome: A meta-analysis.

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Andy Kryza. April 17, , AM. Story continues. SIDS is also more likely to strike in the winter. Are there any warning signs of SIDS? But you can protect your baby by avoiding known risk factors, including:. Safe sleeping practices are at the top of the list, and setting up a healthy sleep environment is the most effective way to keep your little one protected.

While safe sleep practices play the biggest role in SIDS prevention, there are other important protective factors too. These include:. The best thing you can do to reduce the risk for SIDS is by following established safe sleep guidelines, as well as keeping your baby away from cigarette smoke, staying on top of vaccinations and breastfeeding if possible. In the event of choking, drowning or other serious injuries, knowing how to perform rescue breathing and chest compressions can be life-saving.

That said, the older she gets, the more her risk will drop. Most SIDS cases occur before 4 months, and the vast majority happen before 6 months. Rapid, shallow breaths for 15 to 20 seconds followed by a few seconds of paused breathing are also to be expected. But if at any point you notice something that seems concerning, your pediatrician is a phone call away. Dealing with a SIDS loss is one of the most heart-wrenching things a parent or family can go through.

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