There are multiple causes of SIDS

The diagram shows how three common risk factors interact. When an infant is experiencing risk factors from all the three circles, as shown in the center area of the diagram, they are at a much higher risk for SIDS.  Although these factors contribute to higher risk, all infants are at risk and it is important to follow safe sleep practices.

These risk factors do not cause sleep-related SUID/SIDS, but may increase risk. It is critical that you understand these risk factors, and are able to identify infants in your care who are at higher risk.  You will also learn what increases and reduces risk to infant sleep-related deaths.

Let’s look at each of the risk categories in the diagram individually.