This paper provides guidelines for health professionals in dealing with the particular grief reactions experienced by families of babies who die of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Time and privacy are needed to work through the anguish of grief. However, the SIDS families who cope best are those who are also guided throughout their grieving process by a caring physician who is comfortable in his supportive role. It is hoped that through an increased understanding of acute loss, the medical community will be better able to help SIDS parents and their surviving children regain their psychologic energy.