The increased risk of SIDS is higher in younger children. It was observed that among infants less than three months, those who slept with their parents had five times more likely to die of SIDS than babies who sleep separately in the same room even when considering only taking breast babies and whose mothers drank or smoked.

In children between 3 months and 1 year, the risk increased three times, according to the study.


The risk of sudden death associated with sleeping with parents further rises if the mother or her partner smokes or if the mother takes more than two drinks in the last 24 hours.

The researchers estimated that about 88 percent of SIDS deaths would not have occurred if the baby had not shared a bed.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

    Place the baby on a firm mattress to sleep and do not use pillows in the crib.
    Keep daily recommended vaccines.
    Ensure that the baby is not warm while sleeping.
    No smoking, alcohol or drugs during pregnancy and baby avoid exposure to cigarette smoke.
    Breast feeding, whenever possible.
    Leave the baby sleeping with pacifier (If the baby refuses the pacifier, do not force it.)
    Putting baby to sleep in the same room, but not in the same bed as the parents.

It is still unclear exactly what happens in SIDS. Researchers believe that in some cases the baby brain stem controls breathing, may not operate properly. If a baby with this risk factor is in an environment where there is not enough oxygen, may die.