Sudden unexpected infant death rates surge despite overall decline in infant mortality

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals a troubling rise in sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) rates, even as overall infant mortality has declined. Researchers from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and the University of Washington School of Medicine analyzed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) records spanning 1999 to 2022. Their findings show that while overall infant mortality dropped by 24%, SUID—including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)—increased by 11.8%.

The study identified significant racial disparities, with SUID rates for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Black infants being three times higher than those for white infants. Overall, infant mortality rates among Black infants were two to four times higher than among white infants, with similar trends observed in Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian infants.

Researchers pointed to several contributing factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, maternal opioid use—known to significantly increase SUID risk—tobacco exposure, and misinformation about infant sleep safety circulating on social media. Maternal stressors such as housing instability and food insecurity were also highlighted as risk factors.

To reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, experts recommend:

• Always placing infants on their backs for sleep in a separate, safe sleep space.
• Using a crib, bassinet, or play yard with a firm, flat mattress and fitted sheet.
• Avoiding loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, and bumpers in the sleep area.
• Keeping infants away from smoke exposure and prioritizing breastfeeding when possible.

These findings underscore the importance of public awareness and adherence to safe sleep guidelines to prevent further increases in SUID cases.