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SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is the most common cause of death between
1 and 12 months of age. Every parent, at one time or another, fears this
un-explained, tragic event. There are many theories as to the causes of
SIDS, but we do not know enough to prevent all cases. However, there are
some things that parents can do to minimize their baby's risk of dying of SIDS.
In November 2005, the American Academy of Pediatrics published new guidelines on
the prevention of SIDS. These guidelines are listed below. Please feel free to ask us about
these recommendations at your baby's
next well-child appointment. All of these recommendations apply to naps as
well as night-time sleep. For a link to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention page on SIDS, click HERE.
 | Exposure to cigarette smoke, even just during pregnancy, is probably the biggest risk factor for SIDS.
Smoking outside is actually not very helpful in reducing a baby's exposure to
smoke. If it can be smelled on a person's clothes, then that person will
be exposing the baby to the toxins in cigarette smoke. |
| The best sleeping position for babies is on their back. Sleeping on
the stomach
and even on the side is not as safe as on the back. For more
information from the National Institutes of Health on the "Back to Sleep"
campaign, click HERE. |
| Babies should sleep on a firm mattress in a crib or bassinet that
complies with CPSC guidelines (click
HERE for these
guidelines). Do not place soft materials (such as pillows, sheepskins,
or comforters) under your baby. |
| Use of a pacifier at the time a baby is put to sleep can decrease the risk
of SIDS, but the baby should not sleep for long periods with a pacifier in his
or her mouth. Waiting until a breastfed baby is 1 month of age before
introducing the pacifier will ensure that it does not interfere with the baby
learning to breastfeed. |
| Babies should not sleep in bed with their parents. Several large
studies have shown an increase in SIDS in babies who slept in their parents'
bed, especially during the first 3 months of life. Sleeping in the same
room with parents, but not in the same bed, can decrease the risk of SIDS. |
| Babies should not sleep on top of their parents (like on a sofa or
chair) while the parent is sleeping. Many babies get smothered or
dropped when they sleep in this fashion. |
| Pillows, blankets, sheets, stuffed animals, toys, and even positioning wedges,
should not be placed in the crib with a baby. Any of these
objects can increase the risk that the baby will become entrapped and
smothered. |
| Overheating can be a risk factor for SIDS. Babies should be lightly
clothed without blankets at a room temperature that is comfortable for a
lightly clothed adult. |
| Positioning wedges and other commercial devices marketed to reduce the
risk of SIDS are unproven. They have not been adequately tested to
ensure that they are even safe, so they are not recommended at this time. |
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