Keep in mind that while SIDS has risk factors , it ' s likely ultimately cause by a brain abnormality . Any baby can suffocate but SIDS is a little different . The latest running theory I heard is that it ' s a problem in the part of the brain that triggers you to restart breathing or seek out air if your breathing is restricted . Perhaps this portion of the brain just develops later in some children . But in any case , it ' s still very , very rare . I know it feels very close to you because of your coworkers tragedy but it ' s still . 1 %. Skin to skin actually helps newborns regulate their body temp and breathing so I feel it ' s probably somewhat protective against SIDS so long as you make sure not to fall asleep with them in a potential dangerous environment .