US Medical Term · maternity
SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
SMSL (Síndrome de Muerte Súbita del Lactante)
Also: Muerte de cuna (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) |
| Spanish (Español) | SMSL (Síndrome de Muerte Súbita del Lactante) |
| Chinese (中文) | 嬰兒猝死症候群 |
| Korean (한국어) | 영아 돌연사 증후군 (SIDS) |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Hội chứng đột tử ở trẻ sơ sinh (SIDS) |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) |
| Portuguese (Português) | SMSL (Síndrome da Morte Súbita do Lactente) |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | กลุ่มอาการเสียชีวิตกะทันหันในทารก (SIDS) |
| Japanese (日本語) | 乳幼児突然死症候群（SIDS） |
What it means
SIDS is the sudden, unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby under one year of age, usually during sleep. It is the leading cause of death for babies 1 to 12 months old in the US. The exact cause is unknown, but risk is reduced by following the ABCs of safe sleep: place baby Alone, on their Back, in a Crib or bassinet with a firm flat surface and no soft bedding, blankets, bumpers, or toys. Breastfeeding, using a pacifier, room-sharing (not bed-sharing), avoiding smoke exposure, and offering vaccines all lower risk. SIDS risk is highest between 2 and 4 months.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
What safe sleep steps should I follow to reduce my baby's risk of SIDS?
¿Qué pasos de sueño seguro debo seguir para reducir el riesgo de SMSL de mi bebé?
Is it safe for my baby to sleep in a swing or bouncy seat?
¿Es seguro que mi bebé duerma en una mecedora o silla vibradora?
Can my baby sleep on their stomach once they can roll over on their own?
¿Puede mi bebé dormir boca abajo una vez que pueda darse la vuelta solo?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026