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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.
General Information
Infant mortality refers to the death of a baby that occurs between the time it is born and 1 year of age. If a baby dies before age 28 days, the death can also be classified as neonatal mortality.
There are many different causes of infant mortality, from infection to congenital anomalies or accidents.
Often, there are no definite ways to prevent many of the leading causes of infant mortality. However, there are ways to reduce a baby’s risk.
Research
NICHD conducts and supports research on infant mortality and on many disorders associated with infant mortality.
Find a Study
NICHD conducts and supports a variety of clinical research projects related to infant mortality.
More Information
Find answers to other common questions about infant mortality, such as if the risk is hereditary and how research is reducing infant mortality rates.
Links to websites of groups that study or provide information about infant mortality.
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