Background: Sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS is an idiopathic syndrome that leads to sudden and unexpected death in infants aged less than one year (12 months). It is prevalence rate is 7.0 per 1,000 live births. This type of death is very bitter experience enormous sorrow for the family. Various risk factors have been identified for this idiopathic Syndrome (the parents, baby and infant sleep environment) have been identified. According to the statistics and detailed information regarding SIDS risk factors does not exist in Iran. This study aimed to identify risk factors for SIDS in infants and frequency and analysis was conducted in Qom.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study of 1021 infants health centers in Qom 1-12 months in 2014 to cluster random sampling were included. Data were collected by questionnaire in three parts SIDS risk factors related to parental characteristics (8 items), infants (9 items) and infant sleep environment (6 items).To determine reliability of this questionnaire, and we used Cronbach’s alpha method. The questionnaire’s reliability was determined as 0.83 through Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. After determining the frequency of risk factors, the results were analyzed by comparing with other studies. The obtained data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS 18 at significance level of less than 0.05.

Results: 46 (4.5%) of mothers were younger than 21 years. 491 (48.1%) of infants were boys. Among the fathers, 92(9%) were smoking during pregnancy. The birth weight of 130 infants (12.7%) was less than 2.5 kg. 942 infants (92.3%) had shared bedroom (Co-Sleeping) and 346(35.7%) had shared bed (Bed-Sharing). Infant sleeping in prone (Prone position) and lateral positions (Side lying position) which are considered common risk factors were seen in 154 (15.1%) and 402(39/4%) infants, respectively.

Conclusion: SIDS risk factors were common. The results showed that the highest risk factor (92.3 %) has been shared bedroom. Increase awareness of parents to educate their families and physicians about risk factors and prevention is necessary. Due to differences some of the risk factors with other studies and the lack of accurate information about this syndrome, studies to identify risk factors and the incidence of SIDS in Iran and other parts of the world is recommended.