U.S. Infant Mortality Rate Hits Record Low, but SIDS rate increases in Black Infants, Study Finds

The U.S. infant mortality rate hit a record low in 2020, according to a new study, but researchers also identified a worrisome trend involving sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The overall rate for SIDS jumped 15% from 2019, making it the third leading cause of infant mortality.

The change appears to be driven by a significant increase in sudden unexpected infant death in Black infants. Researchers say the increase may be related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit communities of color harder through crowded housing, food insecurity, unemployment, and limited healthcare access.

They say these factors may have led to more unsafe sleep practices, such as bed sharing. The authors recommend continued monitoring of the situation and stress that "Interventions are needed to address persistent racial and ethnic disparities in sudden unexpected infant death."