What is the leading cause of death among infants in the U.S.?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is recognized as the leading cause of death among infants in the United States, particularly in the age group of one month to one year. SIDS refers to the sudden and unexplained death of an otherwise healthy infant, typically occurring during sleep. The exact cause of SIDS remains unknown, but several risk factors have been identified, including sleep position, sleep environment, maternal smoking during pregnancy, and prematurity.

This tragic phenomenon has led to widespread public health campaigns aimed at educating parents about safe sleep practices, such as placing infants on their backs to sleep, using a firm sleep surface, and avoiding soft bedding in the crib. These measures have contributed to a decline in SIDS rates over the years, but it remains a significant concern for new parents and healthcare providers.

The other causes listed also contribute to infant mortality in various ways, but SIDS holds the top position in this specific context of leading causes of death in the infant population. Accidental injuries, congenital anomalies, and respiratory distress syndrome are significant but do not match the prevalence of SIDS when considering mortality rates within this age group.