The death of a child is devastating for families and communities. When the death is sudden and unexpected, survivors also are traumatized. The grief following a sudden death can be even more intense and prolonged. Parents and many others are deeply affected.

The Minnesota Sudden Infant Death Center at Children's is a statewide program that provides information, counseling, and support to anyone experiencing a sudden and unexpected infant death from any cause. In addition, the Center, in keeping with its original mission, continues to be Minnesota's resource for information on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and SIDS risk reduction.

The Minnesota SID Center conducts training and educational programs for health care providers, child care workers, and other professional and community groups. The Center tracks infant mortality trends in Minnesota and participates in local, state, and national initiatives to reduce the risk of sudden, unexpected infant death.

The Minnesota SID Center is a partnership between Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health.
More about the Minnesota SID Center

In the News From KARE-11: Dr. Patrick Carolan of the Minnesota Sudden Infant Death Center at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota responds to recent research findings about sudden infant death syndrome, and a Minneapolis mom discusses her family's tragic loss. (Feb. 2, 2010)

From MPR: A brief video demonstrating safe sleeping tips for babies with Kathleen Fernbach, Director of the Minnesota Sudden Infant Death Center.

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Keep Baby Safe During Sleep

Research shows that following safe sleep rules can help lower your baby's risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and protect baby from suffocation and accidents during sleep.

	Healthy babies should sleep on their backs
	Check with your nurse or doctor
	Follow the Safe Sleep Top 10
	Make a safe place for baby to sleep
	Safe and asleep in a crib of their own
	Tummy time is important
	Helping baby sleep on his back (PDF)

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Resources

Grief Resources
Publications for Parents, Families, Friends, and Grandparents

Frequently Asked Questions About SIDS
Causes, characteristics, research, risk factors, and more

Creating a Safe Sleep Environment for Baby
Safe sleep tips and brochures to lower the risk of SIDS
Brochure Order Form (PDF)

Crib Safety Center
Current information on cribs, recalls and the 2011 ban on drop sided cribs from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Helping Baby Sleep on His Back
Safe sleep tips to get baby "back to sleep"

For Child Care Providers and Foster Parents
Brochure, questions and answers, and training curriculum

For Newborn Nursery Staff, Clinic Nurses and Public Health Nurses

Baby Safety Basics (PDF)
A guide to keeping baby safe during the first year of life.

Videos on Safe Sleep Environment

Related Links
Links to several external web sites and online resources

SID Center Newsletters
latest news relating to SIDS

What's New
Articles, research findings, and news announcements about SIDS and other issues related to infant death