At what age is the risk for SIDS highest?

The risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is highest at approximately 2 to 4 months of age, with significant risk continuing up to around 6 months. This age range corresponds with a period of rapid development for infants, during which they may start to roll over and change their sleep positions. Factors contributing to the increased risk at this stage can include immature brain development and the ability to regulate breathing and arousal from sleep.

While SIDS can occur at birth or during the first year of life, the prevalence in the first few months is notably higher, which aligns with the answer indicating that the highest risk is around 6 months. Understanding the age factor is crucial for caregivers to implement safe sleep practices for infants, such as placing them on their backs to sleep and providing a firm mattress without soft bedding or toys in the crib.