Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted.

The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov.

Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at OPM.gov.

Infant Mortality

Infant mortality refers to the death of an infant between 1 day and 1 year of age. (Deaths before age 28 days can also be classified as neonatal mortality.) There are many causes of infant mortality, ranging from infections to accidents.

NICHD supports research on many causes of and conditions that can lead to infant death, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sudden, unexpected infant deaths, congenital anomalies, and preterm birth. The Institute also studies ways to prevent or reduce the risk of these causes and conditions to reduce infant mortality rates and improve infant health outcomes.