Wellness and Safety
Patient Resources
For Professionals
Supporting Children's
Job Opportunities

  Print this page Email this page
     
Bookmark and Share
     

 spacer graphic

Reducing SIDS Risks for Your Baby

There is no sure way to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, there are things you can do to lower your baby's risks.

  1. Always put your baby to sleep on his back. Sleeping on his stomach doubles your baby's risk of dying of SIDS. Sleeping on his side is safer than his stomach, but not as safe as sleeping on his back.
  2. Use a firm, flat crib mattress. Any type of bedding that can bunch up around your baby's face can block his flow of air, putting him in danger. Don't let him rest on:
    • Futons
    • Sheepskin
    • Waterbeds
    • Beanbag chairs
    • Pillows
    • Sofa cushions
  3. Avoid loose bedding. Quilts and blankets can block air circulation if they slip over your baby's head. Limit bedding to a fitted bottom sheet and firm bumpers.
  4. Be careful of overheating. Set the temperature in your house no higher than 70°. To keep your baby comfortable:
    • In cold weather, dress him in layers in a blanket sleeper without covers
    • In warm weather, dress him in lightweight pajamas
  5. Don't let your baby sleep with stuffed toys. If stuffed toys are pulled into your child's face, they can block the flow of air.
  6. Don't let anyone smoke near your baby. When people smoke near your baby, it doubles his chances of dying of SIDS.
  7. Consider breast-feeding. Nursing your baby, even for a short time, may help protect him.
  8. Teach baby sitters, daycare workers, friends and grandparents about reducing the risk of SIDS. Don't assume everyone knows the “back to sleep” rule. Remember that you slept on your stomach and people older than you might not know about the “new” (since 1992) recommendation for babies to sleep on their backs.
  9. Make sure your baby gets all of his shots. Making sure your baby gets all of his immunizations lowers his SIDS risk.
  10. Be aware that sharing your bed with your baby can be dangerous. Babies have a higher risk of suffocating if a parent has used alcohol or other drugs that can cause them to be groggy. Also, adult bedding increases the risk for SIDS.

    Return to the top