Prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

In the 1980s, sudden infant death syndrome (also known as SIDS or cot death) was one of the most common post-neonatal causes of death in the UK. The dramatic 80% fall in these deaths over the last three decades is a testament to evidence-based research using the observational case–control study and even more impressive given the difficulties in funding studies without a randomized controlled trial design. This chapter will describe the initial breakthrough in the early 1990s, the characteristic profile of SIDS, the associated factors identified, the potential causal mechanisms, and the current risk reduction messages. Most of the risk reduction messages are non-controversial and have been readily accepted by health professionals and parents alike. The divergence of opinion regarding how we give preventative advice surrounding infant bed sharing and the strategies employed is addressed in more detail.