Infant Mortality

Infant mortality refers to the death of a baby that occurs between the time it is born and 1 year of age. If a baby dies before age 28 days, the death can also be classified as neonatal mortality.

There are many different causes of infant mortality, from infection to congenital anomalies or accidents.

Often, there are no definite ways to prevent many of the leading causes of infant mortality. However, there are ways to reduce a baby’s risk.

NICHD conducts and supports research on infant mortality and on many disorders associated with infant mortality.

NICHD conducts and supports a variety of clinical research projects related to infant mortality.

Find answers to other common questions about infant mortality, such as if the risk is hereditary and how research is reducing infant mortality rates.

Links to websites of groups that study or provide information about infant mortality.