Are there specific demographic factors that increase the risk of SIDS that I should be aware of in my practice?

Yes, there are several demographic factors that increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) that are important to be aware of in general practice.

• Age: The peak incidence of SIDS typically occurs between 2 and 4 months of age Horne 2019.
• Sex: Male infants have a slightly higher risk of SIDS compared to female infants Horne 2019.
• Prematurity and Low Birth Weight: Infants born prematurely or with a low birth weight are at an increased risk of SIDS Adams et al. 2015Horne 2019Kaler et al. 2020. This aligns with the need for developmental follow-up for children born preterm NICE NG72.
• Maternal Factors:
  • Maternal Smoking: Smoking during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for SIDS Adams et al. 2015Horne 2019. Postnatal care guidelines advise parents to avoid smoking around the baby to reduce SIDS risk NICE NG194.
  • Maternal Drug Use: Maternal drug use is also associated with an increased risk of SIDS Adams et al. 2015.
  • Young Maternal Age: Infants born to younger mothers may have a higher risk Adams et al. 2015.
• Socioeconomic Factors: Lower socioeconomic status is associated with an increased risk of SIDS Horne 2019.
• Ethnicity: Some studies indicate higher rates of SIDS in certain ethnic groups Adams et al. 2015.

General practice teams should ensure that parents receive information on reducing the risk of SIDS, including placing the baby on their back to sleep, keeping them in a separate cot in the parents' room for the first six months, and avoiding smoking around the baby NICE NG194.