How Can You Reduce the Risk of SIDS?

Too many infants die during sleep from unsafe sleep environments. There are ways for parents and caregivers to reduce the risk of sleep-related causes of infant death. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) expanded their recommendations for a safe infant sleeping environment in 2011.

These recommendations include the following:

• Place your baby on their back for every sleep.
• Place your baby to sleep on a firm sleep surface.
• Keep soft objects, loose bedding, or any objects that could increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation out of the crib.
• Place your baby to sleep in the same room where you sleep but not the same bed.
• Breastfeed your baby.
• You may offer a pacifier once breastfeeding is established.
• Visit your baby's doctor for regular check-ups and immunizations.
• Keep your baby away from smokers and places where people smoke.
• Be careful not to overdress your baby or let your baby get too hot.
• Give your baby plenty of supervised play time on their stomach when awake.
• Do not use home cardiorespiratory monitors, wedges, positioners, or special sleep surfaces that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Educate babysitters, day care providers, grandparents, and everyone who cares for your baby about safe sleep practices.
• Don't forget to enjoy your new baby!

Other Resources:

• California SIDS Program
• SIDS Alliance of Northern California
• First Candle
• CJ Foundation