SIDS
24/7 Helpline
Call the 24-hour crying baby helpline at 866-243-2229 (BABY)
Preventions For Safety
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant who is younger than one year old. It’s a frightening prospect, because it can strike without warning, usually in seemingly healthy babies.
By taking the right precautions, you can help prevent SIDS and keep your baby safe. Though the cause of SIDS is uncertain, there are preventative measures you can take.
Tips for reducing the risk of SIDS:
- Always put your baby on its back to sleep during naps and bedtime
- Place your baby on a firm mattress with a fitted bedsheet
- Do not use bumper pads, blankets, pillows, or stuffed toys in the baby’s bed
- Do not smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs while pregnant
- Do not expose your infant to secondhand smoke
- Breastfeed, if possible – there is some evidence that breastfeeding may help decrease the incidence of SIDS
- Make sure your baby gets well-baby checkups
- Infants should always be placed flat on their back alone in a safe crib for all naps and bedtimes
- If a baby falls asleep in a swing, car seat, bouncy chair or other surface, remove the baby and place them on their back in a safety approved crib; sitting devices are not recommended for routine sleep
24/7 Helpline
Call the 24-hour crying baby helpline at 866-243-2229 (BABY)