Family Resources | Vermont Department of Health
Source: http://healthvermont.gov/systems/office-chief-medical-examiner/family-resources
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:31
Family Resources | Vermont Department of Health
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Translations for you
Family Resources
Office of The Chief Medical Examiner
Death Investigation Systems
Records & Reports
What To Expect
Family Resources
Provider Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is prevention information, support and resources for families who may be dealing with suicide, sudden infant death and bereavement.
Suicide Prevention
Suicide can be prevented. You can help yourself and others. Know the risk factors, recognize the warning signs and reach out to get help before and during a crisis.
Get Help Right Now
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, dial
988
for the
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
or text VT to
741741
for the
Crisis Text Line
. Trained counselors are available 24/7.
If you are concerned about your or a loved one's safety or need emergency medical services,
call 9-1-1
.
More on Suicide Prevention
Bereavement Support
Caring Connections
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death is the death of an infant under 1 year of age that is unexpected and
initially
unexplained.
Frequently, a cause of death is determined after a thorough investigation and autopsy by a medical examiner. The deaths that remain unexplained may be classified as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is a type of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death.
Practices and risk factors that may contribute to SUID:
Placing the infant on tummy or side when sleeping.
Placing the baby on loose bedding or soft sleep surfaces such as, quilts, comforters, sheepskin, pillow-like toys, pillows; or sleeping on a waterbed, couch or chair. These keep the baby from breathing easily.
Infant exposure to
any
tobacco smoke during and after pregnancy.
Bedsharing with other children or adults.
Overdressing /bundling the baby too tightly in heavy blankets or a room that is too hot.
Preterm and low birth weight infants.
Maternal risk factors such as:
age younger than 20 at first pregnancy
a short interval between pregnancies
late or no prenatal care
placental abnormalities
low weight gain during pregnancy
alcohol and substance abuse
smoking
history of sexually transmitted disease or urinary tract infection
Learn more about safe sleep to help keep baby safe
Safe Sleep With Your New Baby - A Guide To New Parents
from
GRPNY
on
Vimeo
.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden death of an infant under 1 year of age, which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation including a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene and review of the clinical history.
In the United States, SIDS is the most common circumstance of death in infants from 1 month to 1 year. Most deaths happen between 2 to 4 months of age. Typically, a seemingly healthy infant dies suddenly and unexpectedly, usually during a period of sleep. SIDS can occur in families of any race, socio-economic status, religion or nationality. SIDS is likely due to multiple causes which have yet to be understood. However, SIDS is not caused by suffocation, child abuse, immunizations, vomiting, choking or by minor illnesses such as a cold or infection. SIDS is not contagious.
After thorough investigation that excludes all identifiable causes of death, the death will be certified as having an undetermined cause. This is similar to the use of “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome” in other jurisdictions. Risk factors for SUID identified during investigation that remain of uncertain significance for death may also be listed on the death certificate for epidemiologic purposes.
Learn more about safe sleep to help keep baby safe
Topics:
Family Health
|
Suicide Prevention
Last Updated:
March 23, 2026
Skip to main content
MENU
x
CLOSE
Translations for you
Family Resources
Office of The Chief Medical Examiner
Death Investigation Systems
Records & Reports
What To Expect
Family Resources
Provider Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is prevention information, support and resources for families who may be dealing with suicide, sudden infant death and bereavement.
Suicide Prevention
Suicide can be prevented. You can help yourself and others. Know the risk factors, recognize the warning signs and reach out to get help before and during a crisis.
Get Help Right Now
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, dial
988
for the
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
or text VT to
741741
for the
Crisis Text Line
. Trained counselors are available 24/7.
If you are concerned about your or a loved one's safety or need emergency medical services,
call 9-1-1
.
More on Suicide Prevention
Bereavement Support
Caring Connections
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death is the death of an infant under 1 year of age that is unexpected and
initially
unexplained.
Frequently, a cause of death is determined after a thorough investigation and autopsy by a medical examiner. The deaths that remain unexplained may be classified as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is a type of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death.
Practices and risk factors that may contribute to SUID:
Placing the infant on tummy or side when sleeping.
Placing the baby on loose bedding or soft sleep surfaces such as, quilts, comforters, sheepskin, pillow-like toys, pillows; or sleeping on a waterbed, couch or chair. These keep the baby from breathing easily.
Infant exposure to
any
tobacco smoke during and after pregnancy.
Bedsharing with other children or adults.
Overdressing /bundling the baby too tightly in heavy blankets or a room that is too hot.
Preterm and low birth weight infants.
Maternal risk factors such as:
age younger than 20 at first pregnancy
a short interval between pregnancies
late or no prenatal care
placental abnormalities
low weight gain during pregnancy
alcohol and substance abuse
smoking
history of sexually transmitted disease or urinary tract infection
Learn more about safe sleep to help keep baby safe
Safe Sleep With Your New Baby - A Guide To New Parents
from
GRPNY
on
Vimeo
.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden death of an infant under 1 year of age, which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation including a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene and review of the clinical history.
In the United States, SIDS is the most common circumstance of death in infants from 1 month to 1 year. Most deaths happen between 2 to 4 months of age. Typically, a seemingly healthy infant dies suddenly and unexpectedly, usually during a period of sleep. SIDS can occur in families of any race, socio-economic status, religion or nationality. SIDS is likely due to multiple causes which have yet to be understood. However, SIDS is not caused by suffocation, child abuse, immunizations, vomiting, choking or by minor illnesses such as a cold or infection. SIDS is not contagious.
After thorough investigation that excludes all identifiable causes of death, the death will be certified as having an undetermined cause. This is similar to the use of “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome” in other jurisdictions. Risk factors for SUID identified during investigation that remain of uncertain significance for death may also be listed on the death certificate for epidemiologic purposes.
Learn more about safe sleep to help keep baby safe
Topics:
Family Health
|
Suicide Prevention
Last Updated:
March 23, 2026