Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) refers to the sudden and unexplained death of an infant less than one year of age, also known as crib death. Striking nearly 5,000 infants each year, it is the leading cause of death in infants from 1 month to 1 year of age, in the United States.

After 30 years of research, scientists are still unable to determine one definite cause or causes for SIDS. There is no way to predict or prevent SIDS, but you can reduce the risk of SIDS occurring.

To reduce the Risk of SIDS:

1. Always put your baby to sleep on her back.
Stomach sleeping doubles the likelihood of SIDS. Side sleeping is better, but back sleeping is best.

2. Use a firm, flat crib mattress.
Any sleeping surface that bunches up around your baby's face or head, interfering with air circulation, can be hazardous. Don't let him rest on a futon, waterbed, beanbag chair, soft mattress, pillow, or sofa cushions.

3. Avoid loose bedding.
Quilts, blankets, sheepskins, lambskins, and comforters can block air circulation, so limit bedding to a fitted bottom sheet and firm bumpers.

4. Guard against overheating.
Set the thermostat to no more than 70ºF in the nursery. To keep your baby warm without covers, dress her in layers under a blanket sleeper on cold nights and in lightweight pajamas for warmer weather.

5. Do not let your baby sleep with stuffed toys.
If pulled next to his face, stuffed toys can block air circulation.

6. Ban smoking around your baby.
Exposure to smoke puts your baby in twice as much danger of crib death.

7. Consider breastfeeding.
Nursing your baby, even for a short time after birth, may help keep her safer.

8. Educate babysitters, daycare workers, and grandparents about SIDS prevention.
Do not assume everyone knows the "back to sleep" rule.

9. Make sure your baby gets all of his shots.
If your baby receives all scheduled vaccines, he is less at risk for SIDS.

10. Be aware that sharing your bed with your baby can be hazardous under some circumstances.
Babies can be at increased risk for suffocation if a parent has used alcohol or sedating drugs. Also, adult bedding increases SIDS risk.