SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants one month to one year old, and claims the lives of about 2,500 each year in the United States. It remains unpredictable despite years of research. When considering which babies could be most at risk, no single risk factor is likely to be sufficient to cause a SIDS death. Rather several risk factors combine may contribute to cause an at- risk infant to die of SIDS. Most deaths due to SIDS occur between 2 and 4 months of age, and incidence increases increases during cold weather. African American infants are twice as likely, and Native American infants are about three times more likely to die of SIDS than Caucasian. More boys are likely to fall victim to SIDS than girls. Although the exact cause of SIDS is unknown, some risk
factors have been identified:

SIDS: WHO IS AT RISK, WHAT ARE RISK FACTORS?

1. Being born prematurely or at a very low birth rate.
2. Being born to a female under the age of 20.
3. Having a lot of siblings, the risk increases with each child you have.
4. Suffering from a apparent life- threatening event.
5.Certain ethnic backgrounds .
6. Overheating from excessive sleepwear/ bedding
7. Stomach sleeping.
8. Drinking smoking or drug use during pregnancy.

Metabolic disorder some babies who die suddenly may be born with metabolic disorder. A build up of acid metabolites could eventually lead to a rapid and fatal interruption in breathing or heart function.SIDS death is a tragedy that affects family members and others as well. There are many support groups available that are experienced in helping families cope with the lose and work through their emotions associated with the grieving.