The Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Program ensures coordination, mandated follow-up and reconciliation of all reported SIDS cases with Public Health Nursing in Santa Cruz County.
Public Health Nurses provide bereavement support, information, resources, and follow-up services to assist families and caregivers who have experienced the loss of an infant from SIDS or Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), all in accordance with the State of California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 268, Statutes of 1991.
If you have questions or need more information about the SIDS program, call (888) 598-0728.
SIDS and SUID Defined
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) is the death of an infant younger than one year of age that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly, and in which the manner and cause of death are not immediately obvious prior to investigation.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a type of Sudden Infant Death. SIDS is the sudden death of an infant younger than one year of age that cannot be explained even after a full investigation that includes a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene and review of the clinical history.
Facts About SIDS/SUID
- SUID deaths include SIDS, other deaths from unknown causes and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed.
- Each year, there are about 3,600 sudden unexpected infant deaths in the United States. This translates to 10 deaths per day or one death every 2-3 hours.
- SIDS is the leading cause of death among babies between one month and one year of age.
- Most SIDS deaths happen between one month and four months of age, and the majority (90% of SIDS deaths happen before a baby reaches six months of age. However, SIDS deaths can happen anytime during a baby’s first year.
- SIDS is not the result of neglect or child abuse.
- SIDS is not caused by vaccines, immunizations, or shots.
- There is no known way to prevent SIDS, but there are effective ways to reduce the risk of SIDS.