What is SIDS?

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is sometimes called crib death. It occurs when a baby under 1 year old dies suddenly and without warning, usually while asleep.

Should I worry?

Even though SIDS is the leading cause of death among babies between 1 month and 1 year, it's still rare. SIDS claims about 2,500 victims a year – that is, fewer than 1 in 1,000 – usually between the ages of 2 and 4 months. No one knows exactly what causes SIDS, although the following factors are thought to increase the risk:

• A parent or caregiver who smokes

• Sleeping on the tummy rather than the back

• Being born prematurely or at a very low birth weight

• Sleeping on a soft surface (like on top of a comforter or on a sofa or waterbed)

• Soft bedding or other items (like stuffed animals) in the sleep area

• Being too hot while sleeping

How can I reduce my baby's risk?

Always put your baby to sleep on his or her back. This is the single most important thing you can do to help protect your baby. When pediatricians and SIDS researchers began recommending this practice in 1994, the rate of SIDS deaths fell an astounding 50 percent.

Clear your baby's cradle or crib of any pillows, soft toys, loose blankets, and bumpers, which can cover your baby's mouth and interfere with his or her breathing. Put your baby to sleep on a firm, flat mattress with no pillow and nothing but a fitted sheet under him or her.

Keep the room your baby sleeps in cool (around 65 degrees Fahrenheit – the temperature should be comfortable for a lightly clothed adult). If you think your baby is chilly, dress him or her in warmer clothing or use a sleep sack.

If your baby's room is warm, consider running a fan. A study published in October 2008 in The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine determined that sleeping in a room with a fan reduces a baby's risk of SIDS by 72 percent compared with sleeping in a room with no fan.

Some experts advise against sleeping with your newborn in your bed during the early months because the soft bedding is a risk. Others believe that sharing a bed allows parents to respond more quickly to changes in their baby's breathing or movements. If you do co-sleep, remove fluffy comforters and make sure the mattress is firm. Your baby should sleep on his or her back.

Never smoke around your baby and keep him or her away from those who do. It's possible that breastfeeding your baby and giving him or her a pacifier during sleep may lower his or her risk of SIDS, but more research is needed to confirm these links.

Find out more about reducing your baby's risk of SIDS.

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