Sudden Infant Death (SID) Center

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 Minnesota SID Center

Opportunity for Input on Child Care Safety

The MN Department of Human Services (DHS) recently released a report recommending changes in child care licensing regulations to make child care safer.  The recommendations came on the heels of a Star Tribune series that examined the increased number of infant deaths in childcare settings in Minnesota. As the state's leading resource for information on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), MN SID Center staff at Children's participated on the review committee that developed the report and recommendations. Through public meetings and comments, DHS is hoping to gather input on the recommendations from stakeholder groups, including parents. If you are interested in learning more about the recommendations around child safety in childcare settings and/or would like to comment, submit your feedback to DHS Inspector General Jerry Kerber or DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson. The report can be viewed at here. 

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

Resources