What You Can Do to Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

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You can reduce the risk of SIDS by putting your baby on its back or side to sleep.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome - SIDS - strikes nearly 6,000 babies in the United States each year. Recent studies of millions of babies around the world show that SIDS is more common with babies who go to sleep on their tummies. Sleeping on the back or side seems to reduce the risk of SIDS. In some studies the number of deaths was cut in half.

Doctors and nurses in the United States recommend that parents, grandparents, child care providers, babysitters and others who care for infants place them on their back or side to sleep. You should do this for both naps and when putting baby to bed for the night.

Some mothers worry that babies sleeping on their back may choke on spit-up or vomit during sleep. Doctors have found no evidence that sleeping on the back causes or increases the risk of choking. Some babies don't like sleeping on their back or side at first. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your baby's sleep.

There may be some health conditions that require a tummy-down sleeping position. If your baby was born pre-term or with a birth defect, lung or heart condition, be sure to talk to your doctor about which sleep position to use.

Sleep Positions

Put babies down to sleep either on their back or on their side with the lower arm forward to stop them from rolling over.

What is SIDS?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also called "crib death," is the sudden, unexplained death of an infant under one year of age.

The good news is that many SIDS deaths can be prevented by placing babies on their back or side to sleep.

Cigarette smoke is a risk factor

It is very important to create a smoke-free zone around your baby. Do not smoke in the house. The risk of SIDS is higher for babies whose mothers smoked during pregnancy and for infants exposed to cigarette smoke.

Other things you can do to reduce the risk of SIDS

Firm bedding. Baby's bed should be a firm mattress or other firm surface. Don't use fluffy blankets or comforters under your baby. Don't let your baby sleep on a waterbed, sheepskin, pillow or other soft materials. Don't put stuffed toys or pillows in the crib.

Comfortable temperature. Babies should be kept warm, but not too warm. The temperature in your baby's room should feel comfortable to you.

Prenatal care and doctor visits. A good start for any baby is for the mother to get early and regular care during pregnancy. It is important for the baby's well-being for pregnant women not to use alcohol or drugs (unless prescribed by a doctor). If your new baby seems sick, call your doctor or clinic right away. Make sure your child gets all immunizations on time.

Breastfeeding. Consider breastfeeding your baby. Breast milk contains antibodies and nutrients to keep your baby healthy.

For More Information

• Send an e-mail message to the SIDS Foundation of Washington at sids-wa@zipcon.net

• Visit their website at: http://www.sidsofwa.org

This information, provided by the Washington State Department of Health, is adapted from the U.S. Public Health Service American Academy of Pediatrics, SIDS Alliance and Association of SIDS Program Professionals.

DOH Pub 910-107 6/95