Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) deaths are applicable to unexplained deaths in children younger than what age?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a critical public health concern and is specifically defined as the sudden, unexplained death of an infant, typically during sleep. The age range for SIDS is primarily focused on infants, and the accepted age cutoff for determining whether a death falls into this category is under 1 year of age. This guideline is established based on epidemiological studies and is reflected in various health sources, where SIDS is commonly recognized as a major cause of death in infants from birth to 12 months old.

By identifying deaths in children under 1 year as potential SIDS cases, medical professionals, investigators, and public health officials can better address and study the risk factors, prevention strategies, and the overall understanding of infant mortality associated with this syndrome. Recognizing this age limit allows for appropriate classification, research focus, and implementation of safe sleep practices to help reduce risks associated with SIDS.