Preventing tragedy

Sudden infant death syndrome: what parents should know

The sudden death of a baby is as terrible as it is mysterious. Numerous studies are shedding light on possible causes.

(Bild: Herrndorff/stock.adobe.com (Symbolbild))

When - as recently happened in Lower Austria - a previously healthy baby dies unexpectedly and without any apparent cause, doctors refer to this as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This horror scenario for young parents could be prevented in many cases.

Although there has been a significant decline in infant mortality in most industrialized nations, sudden infant death syndrome still causes numerous infant deaths - including in Austria. What is behind it and what risk factors mothers and fathers should be aware of.