Sudden infant death syndrome and advice for safe sleeping

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is currently defined as ?the sudden and unexpected death of an infant under 1 year of age, with the onset of the lethal episode apparently occurring during sleep, that remains unexplained after a thorough investigation including performance of a complete autopsy and review of the circumstances of death.?1 Before this 2004 definition a diagnosis of SIDS did not require a death scene investigation or to have occurred during sleep, and therefore the definition for SIDS varies in the studies cited in this review. The aim of this clinical review is to provide healthcare professionals with the most up to date information for parents and caregivers about SIDS and infant safety while sleeping.