Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
About the Program
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Program provides mandated follow-up and support services through public health nurses and social workers. These services include, but are not limited to, education about SIDS, referrals to community resources to support families coping with infant loss (including both adults and children), and burial support.
About Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Safe Sleep
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden death of an infant less than 1 year of
age which remains unexplained after a thorough autopsy and case investigation.
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) is the death of an infant less than 1 year old
that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. The cause of death is not immediately obvious
before investigation.
SUID includes all unexpected deaths: Those without a clear cause, such
as SIDS, and those from a known cause, such as suffocation.
Reduce the Risk of SIDS
Resources
Explore helpful videos, handouts, and additional tips to ensure babies sleep safe and soundly. 💤
Safe Sleep
Safe Sleep Video Guides
The Safe to Sleep® campaign offers several videos that help explain safe sleep recommendations. 🛏️
Safely Keeping Baby Warm
This Safe to Sleep® video explains the 2022 AAP recommendations to reduce sleep-related infant death. 👶
AAP Policy on Baby Sleep Safety Explained
Updated safe sleep guidelines offer helpful tips to keep your little one safe. 🧸
Grief Support
Navigating Life After SIDS
This handbook has been created to provide a space of compassion, and to offer comfort in the face of this profound loss. All are welcome to review it. 🕊️
SIDS 24/7 Grief line
If you or someone you know has lost a baby to SIDS or other sleep-related infant death please share the First Candle grief support number. 📞
Virtual Support Group Return to Zero: H.O.P.E.
Provides inclusive support for anyone affected by loss, including miscarriage, infertility, stillbirth, infant loss, and failed adoption. 💜
Empty Cradle Support Group
We offer monthly loss parent support with 3 in-person and 4 virtual meetings (no children allowed), all in Pacific Time. 💜
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
LACDMH supports residents through grief; please care for your mental health and call 24/7 support at (800) 854-7771. 💜
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente offers access to 64+ grief therapists in California. 🧑⚕️
Our House Grief Support Center
OUR HOUSE offers grief support for all ages in a safe, nurturing space, including Spanish-speaking groups and professional training. 🧑⚕️
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group (PSI) Online Support
Online Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support group connects bereaved parents with healing, support, and resources. We’re here to help. 🤝
Maternal Mental Health Now-Supporting Parents
Welcoming a baby can bring mental health challenges—call or text 1-888-823-7262 for support. 📞
The Healing Hearts Infant Bereavement Group
The Healing Hearts Group is a private space for those grieving a baby, offering support and a place to share memories. 🤝
Little Angel of White Memorial
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group — bilingual (English/Spanish) with
monthly meetings for compassionate support.
🔹 In
Person Support Groups 🔹 👥
Compassionate Friends
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group — bilingual (English/Spanish) with
monthly meetings for compassionate support.
🔹 In
Person Support Groups 🔹 👥
Provider Resources
Safe To Sleep
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexplained death of a baby under one year old that remains unaccounted for even after a full investigation—including autopsy, scene review, and medical history evaluation. 🛏️
CDC - Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) is the sudden, unexplained death of a baby under one year, and the CDC works to reduce it through data, investigation, and safe sleep promotion. 🛏️
California State Department of Public Health, SIDS Program
Explore and discover additional resources for SIDS through the state’s website 💙
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing can identify risks, explain conditions, and guide care 🧬. For more info, contact:
- Roberts Program, Boston Children’s Hospital: robertsprogram@childrens.harvard.edu
- Cardiogenomics Program, Children’s Hospital LA: 323-361-2461
- Aeron’s Foundation info@aeronsfoundation.org
Provider and Patient Conversations for Safe Sleep
The SUID Prevention Program’s “Provider and Patient Conversations for Safe Sleep” video series helps pediatricians improve communication with families about infant sleep. It offers guidance on addressing common sleep concerns during well-visits in a culturally sensitive and non-judgmental way, while reinforcing safe sleep practices.
📧Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you! Fill out the form and we'll get back to you.
- 👤 Luz Arboleda-Babcock
- 📧 sids@ph.lacounty.gov