Reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplainable death of a baby younger than 12 months old. These babies appear to be healthy yet die when they are asleep.

Most SIDS deaths occur when babies are one to four months old. The peak time is two to three months old. SIDS is not common. It happens to fewer than one in 1,000 babies in this country.

There are things you can do to reduce your baby's risk of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following:

• Your baby is safest sleeping on her back. Always place your baby on her back to sleep.
• Use a firm crib mattress covered with a fitted sheet.
• Never have your baby sleep on a pillow, sheepskin, fluffy bedding, or waterbed. Never use a couch, sofa or chair as a place for your baby to sleep.
• Keep soft, loose bedding and toys out of the crib. Do not place pillows, quilts, or stuffed animals in the crib. Bumper pads are not recommended. However, if you choose to use them, the AAP recommends that bumper pads should be "thin, firm, well secured, and not 'pillow-like.' "

• Don't let your baby get overheated. Keep the room temperature comfortable for an adult. Dress your baby in light clothing.

Tip

To help prevent your baby's head from getting a little flatter on one side or in the back:

• Give your baby lots of tummy time when she is awake
• Each week switch the direction your baby faces in the crib

• The safest place for your baby to sleep is in your room in a crib or bassinet. Do not share a bed with your baby during sleep. Do not let your baby sleep with a sibling.
• Consider offering your baby a clean, dry pacifier at naptime and bedtime. Don't force your baby to take it. If you are breastfeeding, don't offer the pacifier until breastfeeding is well established. This may be at about one month of age.
• Don't allow anyone to smoke around your baby.
• Do not use commercial devices or baby monitors that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS. There is no evidence such products reduce the incidence of SIDS. If you use these products, they are OK for listening to your baby when you are in different rooms, but they don't prevent SIDS accidents.

Talk with your baby's health care provider about what is best for your baby if your baby often spits up after eating or has breathing, heart, or lung problems.

Related Links

Allina Grief Resources

More about SIDS

American Academy of Pediatrics

First published: 11/01/2003
Last updated: 08/01/2008

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts