Global reports of sudden infant death trends

Recent reports from Argentina and Ireland highlight concerns regarding sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and unexpected infant mortality.

In Argentina, data from the Argentine Society of Pediatrics (SAP) for 2024 revealed 63 cases of sudden and unexpected infant death. The SAP identified several contributing risk factors, noting that 69.2% of cases were associated with co-sleeping and 70.8% occurred in overcrowded conditions. Furthermore, 82.7% of these deaths involved infants aged zero to five months, and tobacco exposure was a factor in 27.4% of the cases. In response to these findings, the SAP launched a campaign during Safe Sleep Week to promote preventive habits.

In Ireland, the National Paediatric Mortality Register (NPMR) reported a rise in SIDS rates, increasing from 0.20 per 1,000 live births in 2019 to 0.46 per 1,000 live births between 2019 and 2023. The 25 deaths recorded in 2023 marked the highest annual figure since 2008. A Health Service Executive (HSE) review identified a “stark” social gradient, with higher rates in disadvantaged communities. The National Office of Clinical Audit (NOCA) has recommended strengthening national prevention actions and providing clearer advice on safe sleep practices.