Sudden infant death syndrome (Part 1). Risk factors

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of infant mortality between the ages of one month and one year in developed countries. The incidence has dramatically decreased in countries where the “none prone sleeping” position was adapted. Nevertheless, in the last few years this decrease has stabilized. Considering that in more than 95% of the cases of SIDS two or more risk factors are involved, we must reconsider the preventive measures.

In the present article, we will review the recommendations and preventive measures based on the most important modifiable risk factors: supine position during sleeping, firm sleep surface, room sharing without bed sharing, avoid soft objects in the bed, avoid overheating, pacifier use, breastfeeding, avoid smoking and other substances during pregnancy, prenatal care, as well as the lack of evidence regarding monitoring in the household.