The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development’s "Back to Sleep" campaign has developed information for parents about ways to reduce the risk of SIDS. Always place babies on their backs to sleep—Babies who sleep on their backs are less likely to die of SIDS than babies who sleep on their stomachs or sides. Placing your baby on his or her back to sleep is the number one way to reduce the risk of SIDS. Use the back sleep position every time—Babies who usually sleep on their backs but who are then placed on their stomachs, like for a nap, are at very high risk for SIDS. So it is important for babies to sleep on their backs every time, for naps and at night. Place your baby on a firm sleep surface, such as a safety-approved* crib mattress covered with a fitted sheet—Never place a baby to sleep on a pillow, quilt, sheepskin, or other soft surface. Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area—Don’t use pillows, blankets, quilts, sheepskins, or pillow-like bumpers in your baby’s sleep area. Keep all items away from the baby’s face. Avoid letting your baby overheat during sleep—Dress your baby in light sleep clothing and keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult. Crib safety information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The NICHD’s publication Reduce the Risk of SIDS: Safe Sleep for Your Baby PDF 194 KB gives a complete list of ways to reduce the risk of SIDS. What does a safe sleep environment look like?
What groups are most at risk for SIDS?
Will my baby develop flat spots on his or her head from back sleeping?
If you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a baby, whether during pregnancy or after birth, visit First Candle—SIDS Alliance.* Help For Families When An Infant or Young Child Dies* Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Program—This brochure outlines for families in a clear manner how the medical examiner and coroner process works, defines the roles of the professionals that may be involved, provides reasonable time estimates for the investigation process, provides national resources and allows for local resources to be included as well. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)*
Bedtime Basics from First Candle: A program of the National Campaign for
Cribs*
Cribs for Kids: A National Safe Sleep Program*
Search PubMed for articles on SIDS
Page last reviewed: 10/24/08 |
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