SIDS is most likely to occur between 2 and 4 months of age, and 90% occur by 6 months of age. It occurs more often in winter months, with the peak in January. There is also a greater rate of SIDS among Native and African Americans.
The following have been linked to an increased risk of SIDS:
- Babies who sleep on their stomachs
- Babies who are around cigarette smoke while in the womb or after being born
- Babies who sleep in the same bed as their parents
- Babies who have soft bedding in the crib
- Multiple birth babies (being a twin, triplet, etc.)
- Premature babies
- Babies who have a brother or sister who had SIDS
- Mothers who smoke or use illegal drugs
- Teen mothers
- Short time period between pregnancies
- Late or no prenatal care
- Situations of poverty
SIDS affects boys more often than girls. While studies show that babies with the above risk factors are more likely to be affected, the impact or importance of each factor is not well-defined or understood.
