SIDS is the major cause of death in infants ages 1 month to 1 year with 90 percent occurring under 6 months.

In Minnesota approximately 25–40 infants are affected each year. Some of them in child care settings.

Research has found that healthy babies placed on their backs for sleep are at the lowest risk for SIDS. Since the Back to Sleep campaign began, the SIDS rate in the United States has decreased more than 50%.

Researchers have also found that babies who usually sleep on their backs are at 19% increased risk for SIDS if they are then placed on their tummies to sleep.

It is more important than ever for child care providers to have accurate information about SIDS and to follow the current infant care practices recommended to reduce the risk of SIDS.