What every parent should know

SUDC is far less well known than SIDS, which affects babies under one year. Research programmes in the United States have reviewed many cases and described common features: most deaths occur during sleep, many children are found face down, and a personal or family history of febrile seizures is reported more often than in other children. Researchers stress that most children who have febrile seizures are well and do not die of SUDC. This page sets out what is known so parents can ask informed questions, not to cause fear.

01What SUDC is and is not

SUDC is a category used when an autopsy, the child's medical history and the circumstances of death do not identify a cause. It is not caused by anything parents did or did not do. Because the cause is not understood, there is no proven prevention, and no monitor or product has been shown to prevent it.

What helps

  • Know that SUDC is very rare and is not the result of parental failure.
  • Keep your child's routine checks and vaccinations up to date.
  • Talk to your child's doctor about any unusual events during sleep.
  • Bereaved families can find specialist support through organisations such as the SUDC Foundation.

02Febrile seizures

A febrile seizure is a fit that happens when a young child has a high temperature. The NHS notes that febrile seizures are fairly common in children between six months and three years, are usually harmless and most children recover quickly. Researchers have reported that a history of febrile seizures is more common among children who died of SUDC, though most children with febrile seizures are healthy and the link is still being studied.

What helps

  • Learn what to do during a seizure: stay calm, place the child on their side on a safe surface, time it and do not put anything in their mouth.
  • Get medical advice after a first febrile seizure, even if your child seems well.
  • Tell your doctor about a family history of seizures or sudden unexplained deaths.
  • Ask your doctor whether any follow-up is appropriate if your child has repeated or prolonged seizures.

03Sleep and first aid basics

Because SUDC usually happens during sleep, some parents ask about sleep arrangements. There is no evidence that any particular arrangement prevents SUDC, but keeping a toddler's sleep space safe and knowing child CPR are sensible for every family.

What helps

  • Keep the toddler's bed clear of cords, heavy blankets and items that could cover the face.
  • Use a cot or toddler bed suited to your child's age and size.
  • Learn child CPR and refresh it regularly.
  • Keep emergency numbers easy to find for anyone caring for your child.

Weekly checklist for parents of toddlers

  • Keep a thermometer and know how to check your child's temperature.
  • Make sure every carer knows what to do during a seizure.
  • Keep the toddler bed clear of cords and heavy items.
  • Keep routine checks and vaccinations up to date.
  • Learn or refresh child CPR this year.
  • Write down any unusual events during sleep to tell the doctor.

When to see a professional

  • After any seizure, especially a first one or one lasting more than five minutes.
  • If your child has repeated febrile seizures.
  • If there is a family history of seizures, sudden unexplained deaths or heart rhythm problems.
  • Any unusual episodes during sleep, such as unusual breathing or stiffness.

Call emergency services if a seizure lasts more than five minutes, your child has difficulty breathing, does not wake up afterwards, or if this is their first seizure. If your child is not breathing normally, start child CPR.

Where ONU fits

ONU is for adults and does not monitor children. No app or device has been shown to prevent SUDC. Parents can use ONU to look after their own sleep and wellbeing, which is often stretched in the toddler years.

Try ONU Health today

Common questions

How is SUDC different from SIDS?

SIDS refers to unexplained deaths in babies under one year old. SUDC refers to unexplained deaths in children aged one year or older.

Should I worry if my child has had a febrile seizure?

Most febrile seizures are harmless and children recover fully. A first seizure should always be checked by a doctor, and you can ask whether any follow-up is needed.

Can SUDC be prevented?

Not with current knowledge. Research continues to look for causes and risk markers. Following medical advice after seizures and keeping sleep spaces safe are sensible steps.

Sources and further reading

Educational information drawn from the public-health sources listed on this page. It is not a diagnosis, a treatment plan or a guarantee that you will avoid an illness or injury. ONU does not diagnose, treat or prevent disease. Speak to a qualified professional about anything that concerns you, and follow the rules of your employer, sport or local health service.