■ preventable, but the risk

can be reduced by placing

the baby on his or her

back to sleep on a firm

surface, by making sure

the baby has a smokefree environment, and by

keeping the baby from

being overheated 

■ suffocation

■ caused by vomiting and

choking or by minor

illnesses such as colds or

infection

■ caused by the diphtheria,

pertussis, tetanus (DPT)

vaccines or other

immunizations

■ contagious

■ child abuse or neglect

■ the cause of every

unexpected infant death

What Is SIDS?

National SIDS/Infant Death Resource Center

SIDS is...

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden death of an infant

under 1 year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case

investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy,

examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history

(Willinger et al., 1991).

SIDS is not...

■ the major cause of death

in infants from 1 month to

1 year of age, with most

deaths occurring between

2 and 4 months

■ sudden and silent—the

infant was seemingly

healthy

■ a death often associated

with sleep and with no

signs of suffering 

■ a recognized medical

disorder

■ determined only after an

autopsy, an examination of

the death scene, and a

review of the infant’s and

family’s clinical histories

■ a diagnosis of exclusion

■ an infant death that leaves

unanswered questions,

causing intense grief for

parents and families

Rev. 2005
What Are the Most Common

Characteristics of SIDS?

SIDS IS UNEXPECTED, usually occurring in healthyappearing infants under 1 year of age. A SIDS

death occurs quickly and usually during sleep. SIDS

is rare during the first month of life. Although SIDS

can occur in older infants, most SIDS deaths occur

by the end of the sixth month, with the greatest

number occurring in infants between 2 and 4

months of age (AAP, 2000). 

In the United States, more SIDS cases are reported

in the fall and winter than in spring or summer. SIDS

occurs more often in boys than in girls

(approximately a 60- to 40-percent male-to-female

ratio). African-American and American-Indian infants

are two to three times more likely to die from SIDS

as other infants (AAP, 2000; NICHD, 2001). Several

Government agencies are intensifying efforts to

reach these populations with the latest information

about SIDS.

How Many Babies Die from SIDS?

EACH YEAR BETWEEN 1983 and 1992, the average

number of reported SIDS deaths ranged from 5,000

to 6,000. Over the past few years, especially since

the mid 1990s, the number of SIDS deaths has

declined significantly. The National Center for

Health Statistics (NCHS) reported that in 2002 in the

United States, 2,295 infants under 1 year of age

died from SIDS (NCHS, 2004). Still, when

considering the number of live births each year,

SIDS remains the leading cause of death in the

United States among infants between 1 month and

1 year of age and the third leading cause of death

overall among infants less than 1 year of age

(NCHS, 2004).

Although the overall SIDS rates have declined in all

populations throughout the United States, disparities

in SIDS rates and prevalence of risk factors remain

in certain groups. SIDS rates are highest among

African Americans and American Indians and are

lowest among Asians and Hispanics (NICHD, 2001).

How Do Professionals Diagnose a

SIDS Death?

BY DEFINITION, a SIDS diagnosis requires a complete

autopsy, a thorough death scene investigation, and

a clinical history. A death is diagnosed as SIDS only

after all probable alternatives have been

eliminated—in other words, SIDS is a diagnosis of

“exclusion.” Often, the cause of an infant death can

be determined only through a process of collecting

information; conducting sometimes complex

forensic tests; and by talking with parents, other

caregivers, and physicians. 

Medical and legal experts rely on three methods to

determine a SIDS death:

1 a thorough death scene investigation

2 autopsy

3 review of infant’s and family’s medical

records and histories.

When a death is sudden and unexplained,

investigators, including medical examiners and

coroners, call on forensic experts, who apply their

expertise in medicine and the law to help determine

a cause of death. SIDS is no exception.

In most cases, the death investigation is led by the

medical examiner or coroner for the county, district,

or State in which the death occurred. Deaths

suspected to be SIDS usually require law

enforcement officers to conduct a thorough death

scene investigation. The medical examiner/coroner

gathers information from the death scene and case

histories and presents this information to the

pathologist (usually board certified or with

credentials in forensic pathology). The pathologist

conducts or supervises the autopsy and assesses

results of the autopsy, death scene investigation,

and case histories to determine whether a SIDS

death has occurred. The pathologist issues a SIDS

diagnosis when there is no other apparent cause for

the infant’s death (Valdes-Dapena, 1995).

2

SIDS Deaths by Race and

Hispanic Origin of Mother, 2002

Race Number Rate*

All races 2,295 57.1

White 1,269 55.2

African American 642 110.9

American Indian 52 123.3

Asian/Pacific Islander 51 24.3

Hispanic 260 29.7

*Per 100,000 live births by group.

Source: NCHS, 2004.

Mathews, T.J., Menacker, F., MacDorman, M.F.,. Infant

Mortality Statistics from the 2002 Period Linked

Birth/Infant Death Data Set. National Vital Statistics

Reports; Vol. 53, No. 10. Hyattsville, Maryland: National

Center for Health Statistics. November 24, 2004.
A Thorough Death Scene

Investigation

Although it may be emotionally painful for the family,

a death scene investigation will help shed light on 

the cause of death by providing a detailed record of

the location and circumstances of the death.

Therefore, the investigator will attempt to learn as

much as possible about the events leading up to 

the death, even the very moment that the 

death occurred. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC) have developed guidelines for death scene

investigation of a sudden, unexplained infant death

(CDC, 1996). Local jurisdictions may use these

guidelines or develop their own protocols for

investigating sudden unexpected infant death.

Investigators will

interview the parent

or other individual

who was caring for

the child at the time

of the death, as well

as any other family

members or adults

who were present at the time of the death or before

the death occurred. The investigator will ask openended, neutral questions such as, “Can you tell me

what happened?” “How old was the baby?” “What

did the baby weigh?” “What time was the baby put

to bed?” “When did the baby fall asleep?” “Who last

saw the baby alive?” “Who discovered the baby,

and what did that person do?” “What position was

the baby in when he/she was found?” “Were there

covers over the baby’s head?” “Was CPR

attempted?” “Did the baby share a bed with anyone

else?” “What was the general health of the baby?”

“Had the baby been ill recently?”

The individual investigating the death will take notes

about the appearance of the room where the death

occurred; condition and characteristics of the crib or

sleeping environment; objects, if any, in the crib;

medications at the death scene; and any unusual or

dangerous items in the room, such as sharp objects

or plastic bags. The investigator may make notes

about the behavior of those present at the death

scene. The investigator will also photograph the

death scene and record the temperature of the room.

It is likely that investigators will collect the infant’s

bedding (e.g., sheets, blankets, etc.), any objects in

the crib (e.g., toys or bottles), or any unusual or

dangerous items found near the death scene.

Autopsy

An autopsy provides evidence of the cause of

death through microscopic examination of tissue

samples and examination of the body and vital

organs. An autopsy is particularly important when

a SIDS death is suspected because a definitive

diagnosis cannot be made without a thorough

postmortem examination. It is estimated that in 15

percent of cases suspected to be SIDS, the autopsy

identifies another cause of death, such as a disease

or genetic disorder, as well as unintentional injury or

unnatural death (Valdes-Dapena, 1995). Also, if a

cause (or causes) of SIDS is ever to be uncovered,

it is likely that the cause will be detected from

evidence gathered from a thorough pathological

examination. 

An autopsy may help parents and other caregivers

deal with the death. According to noted authority

Marie Valdes-Dapena, M.D., parents whose child

has died need to know why the death occurred;

they need to be reassured that their baby’s death

could neither have been predicted nor prevented

(Valdes-Dapena, 1995). Moreover, an autopsy leading

to a diagnosis of SIDS will help remove the parents

(or caregiver) from potential suspicion of wrongdoing

by the legal system and by society in general.

Parents are usually anxious to consult with the

pathologist after the autopsy. Discussing the

autopsy results often helps most parents accept the

reality of their infant’s death. The pathologist

reviews the autopsy results, explaining in terms the

parents can understand how these findings point to

a determination of cause of death. The pathologist

should also take the time to answer parents’

questions, responding with “compassion,

understanding, and respect for the parents’ dignity

and grief” (Valdes-Dapena, 1995).

Review of the Infant’s and

Family’s Medical Histories

A comprehensive medical history is essential for a

SIDS diagnosis. Along with a death scene

investigation and an autopsy, a careful review of the

infant’s and family’s history of disease, previous

illnesses, accidents, and behaviors often helps to

corroborate what is detected from the death scene

investigation and the autopsy.

3

2

3

1

A thorough death scene

investigation involves

interviewing the parents, 

other caregivers, and family

members; collecting items 

from the death scene; and

evaluating that information.
SIDS Deaths Require Special

Understanding

ANY SUDDEN, UNEXPECTED death disturbs the sense of

normalcy and security for the victim’s family. These

deaths force family members and those around

them to confront their own mortality (Corr et al.,

1991). This is particularly true in the case of a

sudden infant death. Simply put, babies are not

supposed to die. Because the death of an infant is

a disruption of the natural order, it is especially

traumatic for parents, other family members, and

friends (Arnold et al., 1997). 

Like any sudden death, a SIDS death leaves a

family with a sense of shock and loss and an urgent

need to understand what happened. Lack of a

discernible cause, the suddenness of the death,

and possible involvement of law enforcement

authorities make a SIDS death even more difficult.

A SIDS death also leaves the family with a need for

understanding from those close to the family—even

the surrounding community. 

A SIDS death is as tragic as a death from any

readily definable disease or cause. Thus,

investigators compiling or reviewing the case

histories should be especially sensitive and

recognize that the family may view this process as

an intrusion, even a violation, of their grief. The

interviewer should also be sensitive to the family’s

cultural practices and traditions. The interviewer

should point out to the family that although

obtaining the case histories may be stressful, this

information may reveal that the death could not

have been prevented, which may provide some

solace to a grieving family.

Are There Ways to Reduce the

Risk of SIDS? 

CURRENTLY THERE IS NO KNOWN WAY to prevent SIDS, but

there are things that parents and caregivers can do

to reduce the risk of a SIDS death. For example,

researchers now know that the mother’s health and

behavior during her pregnancy and the baby’s

health before birth seem to influence the

occurrence of SIDS. 

Scientists also know that certain environmental and

behavioral influences (called risk factors) can make

an individual more susceptible to disease or ill

health. Although risk factors are not necessarily the

cause of a condition, by studying risk factors,

scientists are able to better understand a disease

or condition, which often leads to detecting a cause.

SIDS researchers and clinicians continue to try to

identify risk factors that can be modified or

controlled to reduce an infant’s risk for SIDS. For

example, SIDS experts now know that the baby’s

sleep position, exposure to smoke, and becoming

overheated while asleep can increase the infant’s

risk for SIDS. 

Infant Sleep Position

In April 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics

(AAP) Task Force on Infant Sleep Position issued a

statement recommending that infants be placed on

their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Then, in 1994, the U.S. Public Health Service, AAP,

the SIDS Alliance,

and the Association

of SIDS and Infant

Mortality Programs

cosponsored the

Back to Sleep campaign, a national public service

initiative to disseminate AAP’s recommendation

that infants be placed on their back to sleep.

Between 1992 and 1998, among U.S. infants,

stomach (prone) sleeping decreased from more

than 70 percent to approximately 20 percent.

During that same time frame, the number of SIDS

deaths declined by more than 40 percent (Willinger

et al., 1998; AAP, 2000; NICHD, 2001). Not

surprisingly, most researchers, policymakers, and

SIDS professionals agree that this significant

decline occurred largely as a result of changing

sleep position (AAP, 2000).

Rates of SIDS are over twice as high among

American Indians and African Americans compared

with Whites. Prone sleeping was found to be a

significant risk factor for SIDS in an AfricanAmerican urban sample (Hauck et al., 2002). 

These authors recommend educational outreach 

to the African-American community.

Another recent study of the relationship between

infant sleep position and SIDS concluded that

infants placed in an unaccustomed prone or side

sleeping position are at a higher risk of SIDS 

(Li et al., 2003). This ethnically diverse, populationbased, case-controlled study was conducted in 11

counties in California. The health message from

4

Babies should always sleep

on their backs—both at night

and for naps.
this research is that babies should be on their

backs for all sleep, including naps.

Exposure to Smoke 

Researchers have concluded that if a mother

smokes during or after pregnancy, she is placing

her infant at a greater risk for SIDS (AAP, 2000).

Some studies suggest that exposure of the

newborn to tobacco smoke (whether or not the

mother smokes) may be associated with increased

risk for SIDS. In a 1997 policy statement, AAP

cautioned, “Exposure of children to environmental

tobacco smoke is associated with increased rates

of lower respiratory illness and increased rates of

middle ear effusion, asthma, and SIDS” (AAP 1997).

Overheating 

According to AAP (2000), some evidence points to

an association of the amount of clothing or blankets

on an infant, room temperature, and the time of the

year with an increased risk for SIDS. The increased

risk associated with overheating is particularly clear

when infants are placed on their stomachs (prone).

AAP cautions that the possible relationship between

clothing and climate as stand-alone factors (or as a

cluster of environmental risk factors) is less clear.

Moreover, although the number of recorded SIDS

deaths has been higher in the winter months, that

increase may be due to the greater frequency of

colds, flu, and other infections during the winter.

Infant Bedding 

Researchers and consumer safety advocates

continue to look for a possible link between SIDS

and soft bedding (Scheers, Dayton, and Kemp,

1998). During 2000, seven major retailers joined

with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety

Commission (CPSC) to kick off a nationwide

campaign promoting safe bedding practices for

infants. Many retailers are developing public service

campaigns to spread this message to parents and

other infant caregivers. The hope is that by

circulating this information, infant deaths will be

reduced and that those responsible for infant care

will receive one consistent message about ensuring

a safe sleeping environment for babies. 

In recent safety alerts, CPSC has warned parents to

guard against unfounded claims from

manufacturers of some infant bedding materials

that the use of certain products can reduce SIDS.

Parents and other caregivers need to be aware that

there is no product currently available that can

guarantee prevention of a SIDS death.

Other Risk Factors

ALTHOUGH SLEEP POSITION, smoke exposure, overheating,

and infant bedding have been identified as risk

factors for SIDS, researchers have identified a

number of other factors that may put an infant at

increased risk for SIDS. 

Infant Care Practices and 

SIDS Risk Reduction

Several studies have examined various

environmental influences or child-rearing practices

that may help protect an infant from SIDS (ValdesDapena, 1995; Hoffman et al., 1996; NICHD, 2000). 

It is important to point out, however, that these

factors, in and of themselves, are not reliable in

predicting how, when, why, or if SIDS will occur.

For example, although researchers conclude that

breastfeeding is beneficial, there is no clear-cut link

between breastfeeding and reduced risk of SIDS.

Other studies have found a lower rate of SIDS

among infants who used pacifiers compared with

infants who did not use pacifiers. Although results

of these studies tend to be consistent, there is still

no evidence that pacifier use prevents SIDS 

(AAP, 2000).

Maternal Risk Factors

Still other risk factors, called maternal risk factors,

are associated with how the mother’s behavior and

health affect the infant before and after birth.

Maternal risk factors include:

■ age less than 20 at first pregnancy

■ a short interval between pregnancies

■ late or no prenatal care 

■ smoking during and/or after pregnancy

■ placental abnormalities

■ low weight gain during pregnancy

■ anemia

■ alcohol and substance abuse

■ history of sexually transmitted disease or

urinary tract infection (NICHD, 2001). 

5
Current Research Findings 

and Theories 

MOST SCIENTISTS NOW BELIEVE that babies who die of SIDS

are born with one or more conditions that make

them especially vulnerable to the internal 

and external stresses that occur in the life of any

infant. Currently, many researchers argue that the

clue to finding the cause(s) of SIDS lies in a further

understanding of the development and functions of

the brain and nervous system of SIDS infants.

These scientists theorize that some babies at risk

for SIDS have defects in those parts of the nervous

system that control breathing and heart rate.

Maturation of the brainstem may be delayed in

SIDS infants. Myelin, a fatty substance that

facilitates nerve signal transmission, appears

to develop more slowly in SIDS infants than in

other babies. 

“The detection of subtle abnormalities in SIDS

brains indicates that not all SIDS infants are

‘normal’ despite their lack of clinical abnormalities.

The occurrence of brain abnormalities supports the

concept that a vulnerable, and not a normal, infant

is at risk for SIDS. The idea of a vulnerable infant

forms a key part of a triple-risk model for the

pathogenesis of SIDS” (Filiano and Kinney, 1994).

■ tuck a thin blanket around the

bottom of the crib mattress,

reaching only as far as the 

baby’s chest

■ make sure the baby’s head

remains uncovered during sleep

■ keep your baby warm, but not

too warm

■ make sure that everyone who

cares for your baby

understands the dangers of 

soft bedding

■ avoid adult beds, waterbeds,

sofas, or other soft surfaces 

for sleep

AAP: www.aap.org

CPSC: www.cpsc.gov

NICHD: www.nichd.nih.gov

*from AAP, CPSC, and NICHD

■ make sure that everyone who

cares for your baby puts the

baby on his or her back to sleep

■ use a firm, tight-fitting mattress

in a crib that meets current safety

standards

■ remove pillows, quilts,

comforters, sheepskins, stuffed

toys, and other soft products

from the crib

■ dress your baby in sleep clothing

so that you will not have to use

any other covering over the baby

■ place your baby so that his or

her feet are at the bottom of the

crib

How to Lower Your Baby’s Risk

of SIDS:

Back Sleeping and Safe Bedding*

6
7

The Triple-Risk Model

Pathology studies of SIDS infants support the view

that these infants possess underlying vulnerabilities

that put them at risk for sudden death, a concept

advanced by the triple-risk model in describing the

sequence of events leading to the death of an

infant. A number of scientists are currently applying

this model in their search for a cause(s) of SIDS.

Vulnerable

Infant. The first

key element of

the triple-risk

model depicts

an infant with

an underlying

defect or

abnormality,

which makes

the baby

vulnerable. In

this model,

certain

athophysiological factors (e.g., defects in the parts

of the brain that control respiration or heart rate,

and that occur during early life) explain vulnerability

to sudden infant death.

Critical Developmental Period. The second

element in the triple-risk model refers to the infant’s

first 6 months of life. During this critical

developmental period, rapid growth phases occur

and changes in homeostatic controls take place.

These changes may be evident (e.g., sleeping and

waking patterns), or they may be more subtle (e.g.,

variations in breathing, heart rate, blood pressure,

and body temperature). It may be that some of

these changes may temporarily or periodically

destabilize the infant’s internal systems.

Outside Stressor(s). The third element of this

model involves outside stressors. These may

include environmental factors (e.g., exposure to

tobacco smoke, overheating, or prone sleep

position) or an upper respiratory infection that most

babies can experience and survive, but that an

already-vulnerable infant may not be able to

overcome. In and of themselves, these stressors do

not cause infant deaths, but in a vulnerable infant,

“may tip the balance against an infant’s chances of

survival” (Filiano and Kinney, 1994). 

According to this model, all three elements must

interact for a sudden infant death to occur—the

baby’s vulnerability is undetected until the infant

enters the critical developmental period and is

exposed to an outside stressor or stressors.

Brain Abnormalities in SIDS Infants

A team of researchers funded by the National

Institute of Child Health and Human Development

(NICHD) has discovered that infants who die of

SIDS may have abnormalities in several parts of the

brainstem. This finding builds on the results of an

earlier study that identified abnormalities in the

region of the brain known as the arcuate nucleus in

babies who died of SIDS. 

In the NICHD study, SIDS infants were found to

have decreased binding of serotonin in the nucleus

raphe obscurus, a brain structure linked to the

arcuate nucleus, as well as four other brain regions.

These areas of the brain are thought to play a

crucial role in regulating breathing, heart beat, body

temperature, and arousal (Panigrahy et al., 2000). 

Back to Sleep Campaign 

SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1994, the Back to Sleep

campaign has focused on heightening awareness

among parents, health care providers, and other

caregivers about the benefits of putting a baby to

sleep on his or her back. Over the course of the

campaign, almost 80 million brochures, posters,

public service announcements, and informational

videos have been distributed. The Back to Sleep

campaign continues as a nationwide public health

effort, with NICHD having major responsibility for

disseminating information and educational materials

on this crucial health topic. 

Back in 1994 when the Back to Sleep campaign

was first initiated, there were almost twice as many

SIDS deaths among African-American infants than

among White infants. Despite the almost 50 percent

drop in the number of SIDS deaths in both groups,

a significant disparity still exists (NICHD, 2002). To

continue efforts to reach minority and hard-to-reach

populations about the importance of placing an

infant on its back to sleep, NICHD has partnered

with community groups to provide outreach to

minority and underserved communities. 

Adapted from Filiano and Kinney 1994.
8

SIDS Deaths in Child 

Care Settings 

TWENTY PERCENT OF SIDS DEATHS occur in a day care

setting (Moon, Patel, and Shaefer, 2000). Although

media and mailings have been largely effective in

communicating BTS information to many child care

centers, nonprone positioning and other risk

reduction measures are not universally practiced

among child care providers (Moon and Biliter, 2000).

To promote these messages in child care settings,

the Health Resources and Services Administration’s

Maternal and Child Health Bureau is sponsoring the

Healthy Child Care America Back to Sleep

campaign. The campaign, which was officially

launched in January 2003, is a nationwide effort to

unite child care, health, and SIDS prevention

partners to reduce the risk of deaths in child care

settings (AAP, 2003).

Over the past 9 years, the Back to Sleep campaign

has been extremely effective in helping reduce the

number of SIDS deaths. AAP cautions, however,

that while continuing to emphasize the “importance

of infant positioning for sleep as an effective

modifiable risk factor for SIDS,” it is also important

to “focus increased attention on other modifiable

environmental factors, to describe complications

that may have arisen from modifying risk factors,

and to make recommendations about other

strategies that may be effective for further reducing

the risk of SIDS” (AAP, 2000).

Acknowledgments

Review panel members

Michael Corwin, M.D.

Co-Director

Massachusetts Center for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Anne Harvieux, C.I.C.S.W.

Program Administrator

Infant Death Center of Wisconsin

Jeffrey Jentzen, M.D.

Medical Examiner, Milwaukee County, Milwaukee, WI

John Teggatz, M.D.

Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, Milwaukee County,

Milwaukee, WI

Mary McClain, R.N., M.S.

Massachusetts Center for Sudden Infant 

Death Syndrome

Marian Willinger, Ph.D.

Special Assistant for SIDS

National Institute of Child Health and 

Human Development

For Additional Information on SIDS and 

Infant Death, and for a List of State SIDS

Coordinators, Please Contact:

National SIDS/Infant Death Resource Center (NSIDRC)

8280 Greensboro Drive

Suite 300

McLean, VA 22102

Phone: (866) 866-7437, (703) 821-8955

Fax: (703) 821-2098

E-mail: sids@circlesolutions.com 

www.sidscenter.org

Other SIDS Resources

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

The best way to contact AAP is to access their Web site:

www.aap.org. To locate news releases and policy

statements, search the site using “SIDS” as keyword.

Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality Programs (ASIP)

8280 Greensboro Drive

Suite 300

McLean, VA 22102

Phone: (800) 930-7437

Fax: (703) 902-1320

E-mail: info@sidsprojectimpact.com 

www.asip1.org

Partners in the Back to Sleep Campaign

Outreach to Underserved Populations

■ Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

■ Chi Eta Phi Sorority

■ Chicago Department of Public Health

■ Congress of National Black Churches

■ District of Columbia Department of Public Health

■ National Association for the Advancement of

Colored People

■ National Black Child Health Development Institute

■ National Coalition of 100 Black Women

■ National Medical Association

■ National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters

■ Pampers Parenting Institute

■ Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
9

C.J. Foundation for SIDS

Barry Bornstein, Executive Director

The Don Imus-WFAN Pediatric Center

Hackensack University Medical Center

30 Prospect Avenue

Hackensack, NJ 07601

Phone: (201) 996-5111, 1-888-8CJ-SIDS

Fax: (201) 996-5326

E-mail: barrycjf@aol.com

www.cjsids.com

First Candle/SIDS Alliance

1314 Bedford Avenue

Suite 210

Baltimore, MD 21208

Phone: (800) 221-7437, (410) 653-8226

Fax: (410) 653-8709

E-mail: info@firstcandle.org

www.firstcandle.org

National Center for Cultural Competence (NCCC) 

SIDS/ID Component

Georgetown University Center for Child and 

Human Development

3300 Whitehaven Street, NW

Suite 3300

Washington, DC 20007-3935

Phone: (800) 788-2066, (202) 687-5387

Fax: (202) 687-8899

E-mail: cultural@georgetown.edu

www.georgetown.edu/research/gucdc/nccc

National SIDS and Infant Death Program Support Center

Kathleen Graham, Director

1314 Bedford Avenue

Suite 210

Baltimore, MD 21208

Phone: (410) 415-6628, (800) 638-7437

Fax: (410) 415-5093

E-mail: kathleen.graham@firstcandle.org

www.firstcandle.org/health/health_human.html

National SIDS and Infant Death Project IMPACT

8280 Greensboro Drive

Suite 300

McLean, VA 22102

Phone: (703) 902-1260, (800) 930-7437

Fax: (703) 902-1320

E-mail: lcooper@sidsprojectimpact.com

www.sidsprojectimpact.com

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

4330 East-West Highway

Bethesda, MD 20814-4408

Phone: (800) 638-2772

(Consumer Hotline: Call toll-free to obtain product safety

information and to report unsafe products.)

Fax: (301) 504-0124

E-mail: info@cpsc.gov

www.cpsc.gov

Contact Information for the 

Back to Sleep Campaign

The National Institute of Child Health and 

Human Development 

Back to Sleep Campaign

31 Center Drive, Room 2A32

Bethesda, MD 20892-2425

Public Information: (301) 496-5133 

Fax: (301) 496-7101

www.nichd.nih.gov

To order campaign materials, 

call toll-free: 1-800-505-CRIB

References

American Academy of Pediatrics, Task Force on Infant Sleep Position

and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. “Changing Concepts of Sudden

Infant Death Syndrome: Implications for Infant Sleeping Environment

and Sleep Position.” Pediatrics 2000 March; 105 (No.3):650–6.

American Academy of Pediatrics, Healthy Child Care Back to Sleep

Campaign, 2003. www.healthychildcare.org.

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Suite 300

McLean, VA 22102

Phone: (866) 866-7437, (703) 821-8955

E-mail: sids@circlesolutions.com

www.sidscenter.org

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10

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Child Health Bureau (MCHB), Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services. This publication is not copyrighted; it may be

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Health Resources and Services Administration

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(301) 443-2115

www.hrsa.gov