​Risk factors

• Soft, padded or plush items that may somehow block the airway for the child and cause suffocation (toys, towels, wedges, positioners, bumpers, hats, etc.).
• The riskiest position for the baby is sleeping on the belly. It is the cause for up to 80% of sudden deaths. It affects children in infancy (ie. 1 year).
• Mother's smoking
• Lower birth weight (premature babies, twins, etc.).
• Anything that makes breathing of the baby more difficult may be considered as a risk factor - for example overheating, obstructions in the airway, etc.
• Also, any weakening of the child's body (infectious diseases, fever, nausea) and in particular respiratory diseases increase the risk of SIDS occurance.