Background and aims Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is one of the major causes of death in infants during the first year of their life. Research found reducing exposure to modifiable risk factors by increasing awareness in education campaigns can lower the incidence of SIDS. This study aimed to assess maternal awareness of sudden infant death syndrome in the north of Jordan.

Methods A cross-sectional design was used on 356 mothers of infants who visited the maternal and child health clinics of two teaching hospitals and three major health care centres in the north of Jordan between May and December 2013.

Results 64% (n = 228) of mothers didn’t hear about SIDS, and 7% (n = 250 of mothers listed some of the international recommendations that prevent SIDS. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that employed mothers, mothers with age more than 28 years and who live with spouse only were more likely to know and hear about SIDS. The most of sources of mothers knowledge about SIDS were friends (44.5%) and TV (40.6%), while 11.7% and 8.5%. of mothers reported nurses and physicians respectively.

Conclusions Based on the findings, it is suggested that mothers in north of Jordan have little knowledge about SIDS and need more education regarding risk reducing practices. Screening and health educational programs are recommended to increase the awareness about SIDS in order to modify the infants care practices.