Preventing
Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy
(SUDI)

What is SUDI?

Each year in Aotearoa New Zealand, around 50 babies (pēpi) under 12 months of age die from Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI).

SUDI occurs when a baby dies suddenly and unexpectedly during sleep, often without any obvious warning signs. While not all cases can be prevented, many SUDI deaths can be reduced by following safe sleep practices.

What Increases the risk for SUDI?

• Māmā smoked during pregnancy
• Bedsharing with pēpi if Māmā smoked in pregnancy
• Unsafe sleep spaces
• Alcohol or drug use around pēpi
• Premature pēpi (born early) or very small (under 2500 grams at birth)