Reducing the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) |
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What is SIDS?
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SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby under 1 year of age. It is the leading cause of death in babies between 1 month and 1 year of age.
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What causes SIDS?
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The cause of SIDS is unknown, but there are several measures that can help lower the risk of SIDS.
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What can I do to help lower the risk of SIDS?
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Always place your baby on his or her Back to Sleep, even for naps.
Place your baby in his or her own bed,on a firm mattress, such as in a safety-approved crib. Use only the mattress or pad provided by the manufacturer. Putting baby to sleep on a soft mattress, sofa, sofa cushion, waterbed, or any other soft surface greatly increases the risk for SIDS. If possible, put your baby's crib in your bedroom.
Do not put pillows, soft, fluffy bedding (such as comforters) and stuffed toys in your baby's sleep area. (Do not even put soft bedding items under your baby!)
Make sure your baby's head stays uncovered during sleep. The best way to do this is to dress your baby warmly enough so blankets are not needed. If you do use a blanket, place your baby' feet at the bottom of the crib and tuck the blanket in at the bottom so top of the blanket is no higher than the baby's chest.
Do not let your baby get too warm during sleep. Keep the room at a temperature that would be comfortable for you, and dress the baby in the amount of clothing that you would sleep comfortably in.
Do not allow smoke around your baby. Babies whose mothers smoke during pregnancy, and babies who are exposed to smoke after birth have a much higher risk of SIDS than babies who are not exposed.
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Consider offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime
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The American Academy of Pedicatrics is now recommending this for the first year of life, based on recent research. The pacifier doesn't need to be reinserted if it falls out during sleep. For breastfed infants, do not offer a pacifier until breast-feeding is well-established, usually at one month of age.
Make sure everyone who cares for your baby is aware of and follows these precautions. This includes grandparents and other relatives, babysitters, and day care providers-even those who may care for your baby for just a few hours at a time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Is there a risk of choking when my baby sleeps on his or her back?
No, babies automatically swallow or cough up fluids. Doctors have found no increase in choking when babies sleep on their backs.
What about side or stomach sleeping?
Babies who sleep on their sides can roll onto their stomachs. A baby sleeping on his or her stomach is at greater risk of SIDS. Some infants may have health conditions that require them to sleep on their stomachs. If you have more questions about this concerning your baby, talk to your doctor.
Are there times when my baby can be placed on his or her stomach?
Yes, babies need some "tummy time" several times each day to strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles. Give your baby "tummy time" when your baby is awake and when you are watching him or her.
Will my baby get "flat spots" on his or her head from back sleeping?
For the most part, flat spots on the back of the baby's head go away a few months after the baby learns to sit up. Flat spots can be reduced by giving your baby lots of Tummy Time during awake periods. Another way is when you put your baby down to sleep, change direction (put baby's head toward the head of the crib sometimes and toward the foot of the crib at other times). If you think your baby has a serious problem, talk to your doctor. Will my baby get "flat spots" on his or her head from back sleeping?
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For more information on crib safety guidelines, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission
For more information on reducing the risk of SIDs, contact the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
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