Sudden Unexpected Infant Death

How is SIDS identified or diagnosed as the cause of a baby’s death? The diagnosis of SIDS is one of exclusion. In other words, many suspected causes must be ruled out before SIDS can be considered as the definitive cause of death. Arriving at this conclusion requires effort from an investigative team that includes:

Law Enforcement is responsible for conducting a thorough investigation of the death scene. Students should check department policy to see if their respective agencies have a dedicated SIDS investigative protocol. Ideally, this will include:

Observing and noting the position of the infant, the type and amount of clothing on the infant, if there are any marks on the body, or if rigor has set in.

Location and description of where baby was sleeping. Was baby in a crib? Was baby in adult bed, on sofa or in some other make shift sleep einvironment?

Noting the condition and characteristics of the crib, including bedding, toys, bottles, or any dangerous items that may be in the room.

What position was the baby placed in for sleep? What position was baby found? Was baby breast or bottle fed? When was last feeding? Did baby have a fever, cough, runny nose or diarrhea in the 2 weeks prior to death? Was baby sharing a sleep space with anyone or were they sleeping alone?

Noting the temperature of the room, the type of ventilation, and heating source.

Photographing the death scene.

Using neutral, open-ended questioning techniques with parent(s) or caregiver(s) and noting their reactions to the situation.