Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and child care centres (CCC)

Our aim was to review the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) when infants are in child care (CC), to discuss factors potentially responsible for SIDS in this setting and to describe the impact of previous information campaigns on SIDS in CC. There is a remarkably increased risk of SIDS in CC settings. Special education focussing on a safe sleeping environment has resulted in a decrease of practices known to be associated with SIDS. However, despite a safe sleep environment SIDS prevalence remains disproportionately high.

Efforts must continue to ensure safe sleeping practices in CC facilities. The possibility of other explanations for the increased prevalence of SIDS in CC settings, such as changes in infant care or stress, must be considered as well.