Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Fresno County Safe Sleep & SIDS Awareness Program

It is our goal to reduce SIDS and other Sleep Related Deaths in our community by increasing awareness of what can increase the risk of a baby dying during sleep and how to reduce those risks. Our aim is to provide educational resources and presentations throughout the community so that all parents and caregivers have the information they need to keep their baby sleeping safely as possible. Our program also works to provide support and resources to families who are grieving the death of their baby.

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

SIDS is the sudden unexplained death of an infant under one year of age. A SIDS diagnosis requires a complete autopsy, a thorough death scene investigation, and review of the clinical history. Researchers continue to look at many things to better understand SIDS. Several studies are focusing on the brainstem’s response to low oxygen levels. We can not predict which babies will die when their oxygen level gets low, but we can reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep related deaths by placing them in a safe sleep environment for every sleep time.

For more information on the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep recommendations visit: