Introduction: Sudden infant death syndrome or death in the crib is an unexpected death of an infant, which usually occurs during the first year of life when the infant is asleep or is resting. Death of an infant causes extremely difficult grieving, as nobody expects that his/her child will die before him/her. This is something that should not happen, it is against natural laws. Purpose: The purpose of the diploma work is to present Sudden infant death syndrome and consequently the loss of a child. Literature review describes the most important risk factors for Sudden infant death syndrome, how to avoid sudden death of an infant and determine what the situation is like in Slovenia for the parents who lose their infant due to Sudden infant death syndrome. Methods: A descriptive method of research was used. Critically selected and reviewed literature was obtained in professional books and the database PubMed. Results: Despite numerous pieces of research, experts have not found the true cause of Sudden infant death syndrome yet but they believe it is a combination of several factors. Within the group of unexpected infant deaths, Sudden infant death syndrome is by definition separate from explainable causes of death such as metabolic diseases or sudden suffocation of the infant during sleep. Therefore in addition to heteroanamnesis, an investigation of the location of infant death and an autopsy should be considered. Discussion and conclusion: When infant death happens healthcare workers need to remain emotionally stable. In Slovenia, we have adequately trained professional staff that offers help to grieving parents. However, they do not always know how to respond properly to a person suffering from loss, so it is very important that we talk and learn about death. Only in this way will death no longer be a taboo.
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