A novel research has warned that babies who live at great heights, above 8,000 feet, could face increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The researchers have asked parents not to worry about the findings. Study researcher Dr. David Katz, a cardiologist at the University of Colorado Denver, said the risk of SIDS remains quite low. There is no need to vacate houses or stop visiting high-altitude locations.

SIDS is an unexplained death of a healthy baby under the age of 1 year and generally, during sleep. For now, it is not known what leads to SIDS, but data has suggested that babies dying due to SIDS could be because of brain-stem abnormalities that do not let them move when oxygen levels drop.

At higher elevations, oxygen makes 21% of the air, which is equal to what it makes at lower elevations. But the problem comes at higher elevation when the air pressure is lower at higher altitudes. For the current study, the researchers collected data from birth certificates and death certificates of all births and deaths taken place in Colorado between 1990 and 2012.

During that time, Back to Sleep campaign was also started aiming to raise awareness about SIDS. The campaign allowed the researchers to have clear groups for comparison, including pre and post-campaign groups.

Demographic and social factors, including infant health and breastfeeding status, whether or not mother smoked during her pregnancy, parental age, race, education and socioeconomic status were considered by the researchers.

No difference was found in SIDS risk between babies living at less than 6,000 feet and those living at 6,000 to 8,000 feet. But scenario changed above 8,000 feet. Katz said that 0.42 infants per every 1,000 live births died of SIDS in Colorado between 2007 and 2012.

For those living above 8,000 feet, the number increased to 0.79 SIDS deaths per every 1,000 live births. It has been said that putting babies on their backs to sleep can reduce SIDS risk.