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SIDS cases have decreased in the US by 50% since the “Back to Sleep” campaign  in 1992 was started.  But, we can do more.

The ways to decrease the risk of SIDS in your baby is to. . .

• Place baby on the back for every sleep.
• Use a firm sleep surface designed for infants.
• No soft objects in the bed.
• No wedges to help position baby.
• No bumpers, crib drapes or bumper pads.
• No blanket on baby.
• No co-sleeping (like with a parent or sibling)—as a draped arm over baby or soft covers may suffocate baby.
• Do not expose baby to cigarette smoke.
• Keep current with vaccinations.

Back sleeping is best.  Parents worry that the baby will choke on secretions/vomit while asleep.  The baby has built-in protective guards against choking.  There is NO evidence that sleeping on their side helps drain secretions from their lungs.

Pacifiers protect the infant against SIDS.  This may be due to the baby being in a lighter sleep/sucking frequently and therefore being more aroused.  Do not attach pacifier to clothing or around the baby’s neck as this string/ribbon could suffocate baby.

Sleep tight.  Hope this helps.