SIDS is a world problem. It is estimated, for example, that from 1,000 to 2,000 infants die every year in Britain under the SIDS definition.

In their report on 16 SIDS cases in England, a group of doctors stated: “SIDS usually occurs between 1 and 6 months of age with a peak at 2 to 4 months. . . . Other factors previously reported to be associated with SIDS are a maternal history of smoking during pregnancy, young maternal age at birth, unmarried status, large family size, [and] low socioeconomic status.” They add: “SIDS is also reported more frequently in male infants and is more prevalent during the autumn and winter months.”