HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini

Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI)

Hemonga ohorere o te pēpi

Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) is a term that describes any sudden and unexpected death of a pēpi (baby) up to 1 year of age.

The cause of some sudden unexpected deaths may be found by investigation, such a post mortem examination. Possible causes include an infection, a genetic condition or an unsafe place to sleep. If the death of a pēpi remains unexplained, it may be called sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

SUDI is a leading cause of preventable death in New Zealand pēpi.

The main known risk factors for SUDI are:

• smoking during pregnancy and around your pēpi
• putting your pēpi to sleep on their front or side
• sharing a bed with your pēpi, especially if you are smoking, using alcohol or recreational drugs, or are over-tired.

Being accidentally suffocated while sleeping one of the commonest causes of SUDI. See Safe sleeping for babies for information on how to prevent this.

If a pēpi has died suddenly and unexpectedly, the police will need to be involved. They will offer Victim Support, even though there is no crime. Several people will look into what has happened, including the coroner and the SUDI liaison team. This includes performing a post mortem and carefully reviewing the clinical history. It also includes looking into the circumstances of death and visiting the place where the pēpi died.

If you live in Canterbury, you will be offered a free appointment with a paediatrician (specialist children’s doctor). This is to discuss the post mortem findings once the report is available. LinKIDS will also be told about the death of your pēpi. This is so they can inform other Canterbury health professionals who have been involved in caring for your pēpi.

Getting help after SUDI

Having a pēpi die is a devastating time for a whānau (family). Support from others can help you and your whānau (family) get through this very difficult time.

• Your general practice team or midwife can provide support.
• You may find you have problems with depression, including post-natal depression, and anxiety. If you would like to get counselling, you can approach a counsellor yourself or ask your general practice team.
• Sands New Zealand can provide support. They can do this through phone, email, Facebook groups and local support meetings.
• Skylight provides supports for tamariki (children), rangatahi (young people) and their whānau to navigate through tough times. They can provide a personalised support pack and you can phone them on 0800‑299‑100.

There are several ways to get financial support after SUDI has affected your whānau.

If you meet the criteria, you will still be able to have paid parental leave and whānau may be able to take bereavement leave. If you are receiving Best Start payments, they will continue for 4 weeks. You may also be able to get help with funeral expenses. Read more at Whetūrangitia.

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

• Bellyful

  This service can provide free frozen meals to whānau in times of emotional need. It is available to those who do not have other support to do this for them.

• KidsHealth – Experiencing grief after your child has died

  More advice about ways you can cope with grief.

• Plunket NZ – Sudden unexplained death in infancy

  Information about SUDI and how to prevent it.

• Whetūrangitia – Infant or child death

  Information for whānau experiencing the death of a pēpi or tamaiti (child) through miscarriage, stillbirth, SUDI, neonatal death or fetal abnormality.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2024.

Sources

Page reference: 130754

Review key: HIUCB-33560