Sudden infant death syndrome

Prevention of SIDS in subsequent infants

After a SIDS event, counseling is given to the parents and other caregivers and surviving siblings. It may be necessary to continue counseling for a period of time, as not all maladaptive behaviors may manifest immediately after the event. Parents should be offered testing for metabolic and genetic conditions that may mimic SIDS.

For parents considering pregnancy again, reassurance can be given that the likelihood of another SIDS event is extremely low. After birth of subsequent children, healthcare providers can consider recommending more frequent follow-up, as much for parental reassurance as for monitoring the infants.