SIDS Risk Reduction

(from the American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement: October 10, 2005)

1. Place infants on their backs for every sleep
2. Use a firm sleep surface
3. Keep soft and loose objects and bedding out of infant's sleep environment
4. Avoid commercial sleep position devices
5. Have a separate, but proximate sleeping environment
6. Consider offering a pacifier at naptime and bedtime
7. Do not smoke during pregnancy and maintain smoke free environment after baby's birth
8. Avoid overheating
9. Encourage "tummy time"
10. Home monitors (a.k.a. apnea monitors) are not recommended

Make sure everyone who cares for your infant is aware of SIDS risk reduction recommendations.