Reducing the Risk of SIDS
- Place your baby on his/her back to sleep, for night time and nap time sleep throughout the first year of life. Stomach and side sleeping positions are dangerous and should be avoided.
- Do not smoke while you are pregnant and do not let anyone smoke around your baby or in your home.
- The baby's crib should have a firm mattress, covered by a thin fitted sheet.
- The baby should be wearing what he/she needs for warmth rather than covering the baby with blankets or quilts.
- Pillows, stuffed animals, bumper pads and similar items should not be in the baby's sleep area.
- Do not use wedges or other positioning devices – they are not proven to reduce risk and have been a possible causative factor in SIDS type deaths.
- Do not let the baby sleep on soft things like cushions, pillows, comforters, the couch, armchairs, an adult bed or waterbed.
- Do not let your baby get too hot. Do not over bundle your baby in blankets or clothes. If your baby is sweating, flushed, has damp hair, or a heat rash the baby may be too hot – remove a layer(s) of clothing and/or keep the room cooler. A baby that has a fever, is breathing fast, or seems to not be able to rest, may also be too hot.
- Take good care of yourself when you are going to have a baby. See your doctor regularly when you are pregnant.
- Take good care of your baby. Keep your well baby appointments. Take your baby to the doctor when he/she seems sick.
- Breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding has been shown to prevent ear infections, allergies and other infant health problems.
- Consider using a pacifier for sleep times, pacifiers have proven to be a possible protective factor. If your baby is breastfeeding, wait one month until breastfeeding is established before introducing the pacifier.
- Remember that a crib is the safest place for babies to sleep. Sleeping with adults and other children and in places other than a safe crib increases the risk for SIDS and accidental suffocation.
Remember the ABC's of Safe Sleep for babies. Babies sleep safest Alone, on their Back, in their Cribs!
