SIDS
Medical abbreviation · Pediatric & Neonatal
| Stands for | Sudden infant death syndrome |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
SIDS stands for Sudden infant death syndrome, a pediatric & neonatal abbreviation.
Sudden, unexplained death of an infant under one year old, usually during sleep, that remains unexplained after a full investigation including autopsy, death scene review and clinical history. Risk peaks between one and four months of age.
Example: SIDS risk reduction reviewed: back to sleep, firm flat crib, no bumpers or blankets, smoke-free home.
Usage notes
The US "Back to Sleep" campaign, launched in 1994 and renamed Safe to Sleep in 2012, was followed by a drop of about half in SIDS rates. AAP guidance (2022) recommends placing babies on their backs on a firm, flat surface, room-sharing without bed-sharing, breastfeeding and offering a pacifier. Prone sleeping, soft bedding and smoke exposure raise risk. SIDS is a diagnosis of exclusion.
Related abbreviations
More pediatric & neonatal abbreviations
- PKU – Phenylketonuria
- PPHN – Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
- PVL – Periventricular leukomalacia
- ROP – Retinopathy of prematurity
- RV – Rotavirus vaccine
- SBS – Shaken baby syndrome
- SUID – Sudden unexpected infant death
- T21 – Trisomy 21
- TcB – Transcutaneous bilirubin
- TTN – Transient tachypnea of the newborn
- VAR – Varicella vaccine
- VFC – Vaccines for Children program
See all 51 pediatric & neonatal abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.