Baby care 101

• Always put baby to sleep on her back to avoid SIDS.
• Respond quickly to your crying baby, but don’t shake her.
• Give your baby some tummy time when she’s awake.

share |e-mail |print

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexplained death of an infant younger than 1 year old. SIDS is particularly worrying because it can occur without warning in a baby who seems healthy.

SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants between 1 month and 1 year old. Most SIDS cases happen in babies between 2 and 4 months old.

Risk factors
The causes of SIDS are unknown. Several factors probably play a role.

Most SIDS deaths are associated with sleep. African-American and Native American infants are more likely to die of SIDS than other infants. More boys than girls experience SIDS.

Because most cases happen when a baby is sleeping, SIDS is sometimes called "crib death." Cribs do not cause SIDS, but other sleep issues can increase your baby’s risks:

• Sleep position: Babies placed to sleep on their tummies or sides are at higher risk of SIDS than babies placed on their backs. Since the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) started the "Back to Sleep" campaign in the 1990s, SIDS cases in the United States have decreased. 
• Bedding: Sleeping on pillows, soft surfaces and soft bedding are linked to a higher SIDS risk.
• Sleeping with someone else:  About half of SIDS deaths occur when the baby is sharing a bed, sofa or sofa chair with another person.

Other risk factors for SIDS include:

• Overheating while the baby is asleep
• Mild infections, including colds
• Parents who smoke, drink alcohol or use illegal drugs
• Premature birth or low birthweight
• Genetic factors

Reducing the risk of SIDS
You can help lower your baby’s risk of SIDS.

• Always place your baby on his back to sleep every time. This is the number one way to reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who usually sleep on their backs but are sometimes placed on their tummies are at a very high risk. It’s important for babies to sleep on their backs every time, both for naps and for nighttime sleep.
• Always place your baby on a firm sleep surface. Never place your baby on a waterbed, sofa, soft mattress, or other very soft surface.
• Get rid of soft objects and loose bedding. Do not place pillows, comforters, quilts, or other soft items near, under or on top of your baby.
• Avoid overheating. Dress your baby in light sleep clothes. Keep the room comfortable for an adult wearing light clothes.
• Give your baby a clean, dry pacifier at sleep time. Pacifiers at sleep time are linked with a lower risk of SIDS. If your baby rejects the pacifier, don't force it. If you are breastfeeding, don’t use a pacifier until after the baby is 1 month old or the baby is used to breastfeeding.
• Don’t expose your baby to secondhand smoke. Do not let anyone smoke in your home or around your baby.
• Keep the baby’s crib/bassinet in the room where you sleep. This has been linked with a lower risk of SIDS.

Tummy time
Babies should always be placed to sleep on their backs, but “tummy time” is important, too. Give your baby "tummy time" when the baby is awake and being watched. Never leave your baby alone during tummy time. When the baby gets tired, place the baby on her back to sleep.

Getting help
For parents and families who have experienced a SIDS death, several groups provide counseling, support and referrals.

• First Candle/SIDS Alliance
• National Sudden and Unexpected Infant/Child Death and Pregnancy Loss Resource Center
• The Compassionate Friends

October 2009