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SIDS

By Vincent Iannelli, M.D., About.com

Updated September 22, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: SIDS is an acronym for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, which refers to the unexplained death of a child under one year of age.

Although there is no known way to prevent SIDS, there are many ways that you can reduce your baby's risk of SIDS, including putting your baby to sleep on his back, not smoking, not letting him get overheated, etc. See this guide to SIDS for more information.

Pronunciation: SIDZ
Also Known As: Crib Death
Examples:
Most SIDS deaths happen when infants are between 2 and 4 months of age.
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