CDC Finds Unsafe Sleep Factors in Nearly Three-Fourths of SUID Cases

Unsafe sleep factors were identified in nearly three-fourths of sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUIDs) examined in a new CDC MMWR analysis, Characteristics of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths, underscoring persistent prevention opportunities.

Among 4,861 SUIDs recorded from 2020–2024, 73% were classified in categories where unsafe sleep factors were identified. The deaths most often involved infants aged 0–3 months (66%), males (57%), and infants born full-term (74%); 38% were Black and 37% were White, while 69% were insured by Medicaid.

Common factors included soft bedding (78%), noncrib sleep surfaces (75%), and shared sleep surfaces (59%). The findings support continued safe-sleep prevention and improved death investigations. Read the MMWR report from CDC here.