Risk factors for ISDS on the mother's part are mainly smoking. This restricts placental blood flow and causes fetal hypoxia and delays intrauterine development. There is also damage to the waking mechanism. Risk factors on the mother's side also include diseases suffered during pregnancy, negligence in antenatal care, young age of the mother and a low level of education.

Risk factors for ISDS in the child include:

• low birth weight,
• male sex,
• impairment
• age-related immunity,
• immaturity of the central nervous system.

Environmental factors influencing the occurrence of ISDS include:

• poor socioeconomic situation,
• alcohol abuse and smoking,
• neglect of hygiene,
• inadequate childcare
• lack of medical supervision.
  

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ISSD is more common in single-parent families. In well-functioning families, overheating, accepted habits regarding dressing and placing the baby to sleep are risk factors. Placing the infant to sleep in the supine position is thought to be an important risk factor.