SIDS and Sleeping Position

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as SIDS, strikes fear into every parent. SIDS is a term used for any unexplained death of a child under a year of age. It's also been called crib death because that is where the child is often found. Even though the cause is unknown, there are some things that are known about SIDS. The National Institute for Child and Human Development (NICHD) says:

• SIDS is the leading cause of death for babies over 1 month old.
• Most SIDS deaths happen between the second and fourth month of life.
• More SIDS deaths occur in colder months.
• African American babies are twice as likely to die from SIDS as are white babies.
• American Indian babies are nearly three times more likely to die from SIDS than are white babies.
• Babies who sleep on their backs are less likely to die from SIDS than those who sleep on their stomachs.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that infants should sleep in the same bedroom as their parents - but on a separate surface, such as a crib. Infants should never be put to sleep on a couch, chair or soft surface. In addition, AAP recommends that healthy babies be put to sleep on their backs. Placing the child fully on its back provides the safest situation and is the best position for sleep, according to AAP. The goal is to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, which is the leading cause of death in children under the age of 11 months, according to AAP.

Before the Back to Sleep campaign began to recommend back sleeping as the best way to reduce SIDS, more than 5,000 babies in the U.S. died from SIDS every year. But now, as the Back to Sleep message spreads and more babies sleep on their backs, the number of babies who die of SIDS is under 3,000 each year, according to NICHD.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following safety tips to ensure that babies under 24 months sleep safely:

• Don't place a baby to sleep in an adult bed. The baby could become entrapped between the bed & wall, or in headboards, footboards or bed frames. Babies could also fall or suffocate in soft bedding.
• Place babies to sleep on their backs in a crib that meets current safety standards and has a firm, tight-fitting mattress. If you use a portable crib or playpen, make sure it meets current safety standards. Use only the mattress or pad provided by the manufacturer.
• Babies should be placed to sleep on their backs, not their stomachs. According to the Back to Sleep Campaign, babies sleeping on their stomachs seem to be more likely to succumb to SIDS.
• Don't place a baby to sleep on soft bedding. The baby could suffocate. Do not use soft bedding such as pillows and thick quilts and comforters for infants under 12 months old.
• Don't place the crib near cords from curtains or blinds as the baby could get the cord wrapped around its neck.
• Don't place the crib near a radiator.

NICHD has a few other tips to keep your child safe:

• 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. (Read about "Quit Smoking")
• 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.

Related Information:

    Newborn Concerns

    Baby and Young Child Care