So you've heard of SIDS, and you realize it can be dangerous, but how much do you really know? Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden (and unexpected) death of an infant under one year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including the performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history. SIDS occurs quickly and without warning, and is the leading cause of death in babies after 1 month of age. It is a natural cause of death and is not anyone’s fault.

October is SIDS awareness month, and the Western New York State Center for Sudden Infant Death is working to make people aware of the severity of the condition, and what can be done to prevent or lower your baby's risk of SIDS.

-Always place your baby to sleep on his/her back, even for naps. This position has the lowest rate of SIDS.

-Place your baby on a firm mattress, such as in a safety approved crib.

-There should be nothing in the bed but your baby which means that you should not share a bed with your baby. Also, make sure your baby’s head and face remain uncovered during sleep.

-Do not smoke around your baby, or while you are pregnant; babies exposed to smoke are twice as likely to die from SIDS as those who were not exposed to smoke at all.

-Do not overheat the baby; keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for you.

-Finally, make sure to talk to childcare providers, grandparents, babysitters, and all caregivers about the risk of SIDS. The more people know, the safer your baby is.

Prior to the 1992 recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics that babies be put to sleep on their backs, approximately 7,000 babies per year died from SIDS. Since the "Back to Sleep" movement, SIDS death rates have been reduced by more than 50%. It is now recognized that by providing smoke free environments for both babies and moms, SIDS could potentially be reduced by another 50%.

The Western New York State Center for Sudden Infant Death offers bereavement services to families who have experienced the tragedy of SIDS, as well as free programs on SIDS Risk Reduction and Safe Sleep Practices. For those who have experienced the tragedy of perinatal or stillbirth loss, the Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network is a voluntary program of support and education.