Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): For Researchers and Health Care Providers

At these links, you can find information about NICHD-sponsored research networks, studies, and projects related to SIDS:

• Prenatal Alcohol and SIDS and Stillbirth (PASS) Network
  The PASS Network, a collaborative effort between the NICHD and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, investigates the role of prenatal exposure to alcohol in SIDS risk and in poor pregnancy outcomes, such as stillbirth and fetal alcohol syndrome. The Safe Passage Study, the current main study of the PASS Network, is investigating the effects of alcohol exposure during pregnancy on SIDS risk.
• Continuing Education (CE) Program on SIDS Risk Reduction: Curriculum for Nurses
  The NICHD, the National Institute on Nursing Research, and other organizations partnered to create this CE program for nurses on reducing the risk of SIDS. The course is accredited for 1.1 CE credit hours.
• SIDS Risk Reduction: Continuing Education Activity for Pharmacists
  The NICHD, pharmacist associations, and other partners created this CE activity for pharmacists to explain the latest research on SIDS and how pharmacists can help spread messages on safe sleep to parents and caregivers.
• NICHD Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch
  The NICHD Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch seeks to improve the health of mothers and children with a focus on maternal health, pregnancy, fetal well-being, labor and delivery, and the developing child. The Branch’s Report to the NACHHD Council (2008) (PDF - 1.15 MB) (pages 25-32) outlines its research focus on SIDS.
• National Infant Sleep Position (NISP) Study
  The NICHD supports this study to evaluate changes in infant care practices in response to the Back to Sleep campaign. The annual telephone survey interviews nighttime caregivers in households with infants younger than 8 months.
• National SUID/SIDS Resource Center
  The National SUID/SIDS Resource Center provides information, services, materials, and technical assistance to those affected by SUID/SIDS.
  • Professional resources: http://sidscenter.org/ProfessionalResources.html
  • Research bibliographies: http://sidscenter.org/researchbibliographies.html
  • For first responders: http://sidscenter.org/firstresponders.html
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Smoking Cessation During Pregnancy: Clinician’s Guide (PDF - 4.53 MB)
  This document provides suggestions, sample dialogues, and resources for health care providers to help their pregnant patients quit smoking, a risk factor for SIDS.
• AAP Expands Guidelines for Infant Sleep Safety and SIDS Risk Reduction (2011)
  In this updated policy statement and technical report, the American Academy of Pediatrics provides expanded guidelines on safe sleep for infants, with additional information for parents on creating a safe environment in which their child can sleep.
• CDC Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Initiative
  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Division of Reproductive Health began the Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) Initiative in 1998 to improve the investigation and reporting practices for SIDS and other SUIDs. Out of this initiative came revised reporting forms, training curricula, and a state-based SUID case registry.
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
  The CPSC is the government agency responsible for ensuring the safety of products such as cribs and bassinets. The commission has several resources related to crib safety and the safety of other products, such as wedges.
  • Crib Information Center
  • New Crib Safety Standards Video
  • Sleep Positioner Warning
  • Sleep Positioner Warning Video
  • Crib Safety Standards Info Page
  • Publications on Crib Safety and SIDS

Please note: Links to organizations and information included on this page do not indicate endorsement from the NICHD, NIH, or HHS.