Abstract
Objective: To increase knowledge about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and its risk factors, in order to enhance preventive measures against SIDS and the consequent reduction in mortality. Bibliographic Review: This syndrome presents itself as the main cause of death in developed countries, however, in Brazil there is a lack of statistical data that allow for in-depth study. The low socioeconomic and educational level is linked to the lack of information, something that corroborates the development of this syndrome and reinforces the need for guidance to parents and caregivers. Risk factors such as objects in the crib, bed shared with parents and parental smoking are preventable and considerably decrease the risk of SIDS. Causes such as infectious agents and genetic malformations, especially cardiovascular and cerebral, are also related to the emergence of the syndrome. Final considerations: It is concluded that the recognition of risk factors is essential for the prevention of SIDS, a fact that proves the importance of the physician's role in the education of those responsible for nursing mothers. It is essential, however, to highlight the limitation of studies on the epidemiology of this syndrome in Brazil.