Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): For Patients and Consumers

General Information on SIDS

• Safe to Sleep Campaign (formerly the Back to Sleep campaign)
  In 1994, the NICHD and its partners, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), launched the Back to Sleep campaign to raise awareness about SIDS and to educate parents, caregivers, and health care providers on ways to reduce the risk of SIDS. The following materials describe ways to reduce the risk of SIDS.
  • All Safe to Sleep Materials and Publications
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  An association of obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) and other health professionals who provide health care to women. The organization provides education and resources for health care providers and patients.
  
  • FAQ: Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs, and Pregnancy (PDF - 234 KB)
• March of Dimes
  The March of Dimes provides education and information to promote healthy, full-term pregnancies and families and supports research on problems that threaten the health of infants.
  
  • Baby care 101: SIDS
• American Academy of Pediatrics—HealthyChildren.org
  This website from the American Academy of Pediatrics provides information for parents and caregivers, including conditions and stages of development and safety tips.
  • Reduce the Risk of SIDS

Services, Resources, and Support

• National SUID/SIDS Resource Center
  The National SUID/SIDS Resource Center includes information, services, materials, and technical assistance to those affected by a SUID/SIDS.
  • Bereavement Support: http://sidscenter.org/Bereavement/index.html
  • For families: http://sidscenter.org/families.html
  • Pregnancy Loss, Miscarriage, or Stillbirth Support: http://sidscenter.org/PregnancyLoss.html
• First Candle
  First Candle, one of the NICHD’s partners in safe sleep outreach, is a national nonprofit health organization uniting parents, caregivers, and researchers with government, business, and community service groups to advance infant health and survival.
  • Bereavement Support: First Candle has bilingual crisis counselors available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call toll free at (800) 221-7437.
  • For Grieving Families: http://www.firstcandle.org/grieving-families
• African American Faith-Based Bereavement Initiative (AAFBBI)
  The NICHD cofunded the development of this online module, available through the National Center for Cultural Competency at Georgetown University. The initiative aims to improve support for families affected by SIDS.

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