SIDS (cont.)
What Can I Do to Help Lower the Risk of SIDS?
- Place your baby on his or her back to sleep, at nighttime and naptime. This
is the best way to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Place your baby on a firm mattress,
such as in a safety-approved crib. Don't put babies to sleep on soft
mattresses, sofas, sofa cushions, waterbeds, sheepskins, or other soft surfaces.
-
Remove all fluffy and loose bedding from the sleep area.
- Make sure you take all
pillows, quilts, stuffed toys, and other soft items out of the crib. Make sure
your baby's face and head stay uncovered during sleep. Keep your baby's
mouth and nose clear of blankets and other coverings during sleep. Use sleep
clothing with no other covering over the baby. If you do use a blanket or
another covering, make sure your baby is "feet-to-foot" in the crib.
Feet-to-foot means that the baby's feet are at the bottom of the crib, the
blanket is no higher than the baby's chest, and the blanket is tucked in
around the crib mattress.
- Don't smoke before or after the birth of your baby.
Create a smoke-free zone around your baby. Make sure no one smokes around your
baby.
- Don't let your baby overheat during sleep. Keep your baby warm during
sleep, but not too warm. Your baby's room should be at a temperature that is
comfortable for an adult. Too many layers of clothing or blankets can overheat
your baby.
What Other Things Can I Do to Keep My Baby Healthy?
- Get good health care. Good care starts early in pregnancy and includes eating
the right foods and not smoking, taking drugs, or drinking alcohol while
pregnant. You should also have frequent check-ups with your doctor or nurse.
This kind of care helps keep your baby from having problems that could put him
or her at risk for SIDS.
- Breastfeed your baby, if possible. Studies show that breastfeeding is good
for your baby. Breast milk helps to protect the baby from some infections and
keeps your baby healthy.
- There is no scientific proof that bed-sharing between baby and an adult
reduces SIDS. In fact, in some cases, bed-sharing can be unsafe. If you choose
to have your baby sleep in the bed with you in order to breastfeed, make sure
your baby sleeps on his or her back. Avoid soft surfaces, pillows, and loose
covers. Make sure the baby can't get trapped between the mattress and the
framework of the bed (headboard, footboard), a wall, or other furniture.
- Take your baby for scheduled well-baby check-ups. Also, make sure your baby
receives his or her shots on time.
Most babies are born healthy and most stay that way as they grow. If you have any questions about your baby's sleep position or health, ask
your doctor or nurse.
Enjoy your baby!
For additional information, please visit the following MedicineNet.com areas:
For more information about the "Back to Sleep" campaign:
Call toll-free: 1-800-505-2742
Or write to:
"Back to Sleep"/NICHD
31 Center Drive, Room 2A32
Bethesda, MD, 20892-2425
Portions of the above information has been provided with the kind permission of the National
Institute of Child Health & Human Development, National Institutes of Health (www.nichd.nih.gov).
Last Editorial Review: 2/8/2006
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