Recommendations for the prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) from the American Academy of Pediatrics include the following:
Have your baby sleep on his or her back. The American Academy of Pediatricians and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly suggest a baby be placed on his/her back while sleeping.
Make certain all of your baby’s care providers are aware of the importance of your baby sleeping on his or her back. Don’t assume that others will place your baby to sleep in the correct position — insist on it. Advise your babysitters and childcare providers not to place your baby on his/her stomach to sleep.
Select bedding carefully. It is recommended that a firm mattress, rather than a waterbed or beanbag be used for a baby to sleep on. Avoid placing your baby on thick, fluffy padding, such as lambskin or a thick quilt. These could interfere with your baby’s breathing if your baby’s face presses against them. Additionally, do not leave pillows, fluffy toys or stuffed animals in your baby’s crib.
***For concerns regarding keeping your baby warm: Try a sleep sack or other sleep clothing that doesn’t require additional covers. If a blanket is desired, make it lightweight. Tuck the blanket securely at the foot of the crib, with just enough length to cover your baby’s shoulders. Then place your baby in the crib, near the foot, covered loosely with the blanket. Do not cover your baby’s head.
Place your baby to sleep in a crib or bassinet — not in your bed. Adult beds aren’t safe for baby’s. A baby can become trapped and suffocate between the headboard slats, the space between the mattress and the bed frame, or the space between the mattress and the wall. A baby can also suffocate if a sleeping parent accidentally rolls over and covers the baby’s nose and mouth.
Keep your baby nearby. Consider keeping your baby’s crib or bassinet in your room at first. Baby’s who sleep in the same room — though not in the same bed — as their mothers have a lower risk of SIDS.
References:
- What is SIDS? U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Accessed June 24, 2009. - Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). American Lung Association.
Accessed June 24, 2009. - Sudden infant death syndrome fact sheet (SIDS).
American Lung Association. Accessed June 24, 2009.