Zoey Zarkou is a happy baby who just learned how to smile and laugh. She does not cry much and is a good eater. Zoey is 3 months old and is at risk.

Many more infants die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in a year than all who die of cancer, heart disease, pneumonia, child abuse, AIDS, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy combined.

SIDS is the leading cause of infant death in America. SIDS in babies under one year is close to 7,000 babies. That is nearly one baby every hour of every day, according to the SIDS network Web site at www.sids-network.org.

SIDS is only termed the cause of death after all known and possible causes of infant death have been investigated.

Four current theories replace adequate medical explanation for SIDS deaths: 1) Stress in a normal baby, caused by infections or possible other factors; 2) A birth defect; 3) Failure to develop; 4) A critical period, such as rapid growth, making all babies vulnerable.

Although SIDS cannot be prevented, there are many factors that may affect infants. “Maternal risk factors include cigarette smoking during pregnancy, maternal age less than 20 years, poor prenatal care, low weight gain, anemia, use of illegal drugs and history of sexually transmitted disease or urinary tract infection,” according to the SIDS network.

The American Academy of Pediatrics provides a policy statement that overviews the changing concept of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The statement is to give aid to mothers and fathers, nationwide.

Zoey’s mother, Julie Zarkou, is a brand new mom. But she is very aware of the risk of SIDS. “I know that you are supposed to put babies on a hard mattress, do not expose them to second hand smoke and lay them on their back,” Zarkou said.

Julie’s knowledge is not only because she just graduated with a degree in health science from BYU-Idaho. “I knew a family whose baby died of SIDS,” Zarkou said. “It can be devastating.”

Zarkou is not really worried about SIDS, but it is always in the back of her mind. “It is hard to forget, when you know it is very real,” she said. “I have noticed, through talking to other new moms, that it is important to be educated. Parents need to know why we should do things like lay babies on their back.”

SIDS is not caused by external suffocation, by vomiting and choking. SIDS is not contagious.