Preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. Sadly, more than 1 out of 3 of sudden unexpected infant deaths that occur in the United States each year are from SIDS.

Let's help prevent SIDS! Here are a few helpful tips:

• The back sleep position carries the lowest risk of SIDS and is recommended for all babies, including preterm babies, until they are 1 year old - Always place baby on their back to sleep!

• Always use a firm and flat surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib, that is free of soft and loose bedding, crib bumpers, stuffed animals, and toys.

• Keeping baby in your room, in a separate safe sleep area made just for baby (such as a safety-approved crib next to your bed) helps to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death.

• Breastfeeding or feeding babies breast milk reduces their risk for SIDS.

For more great tips and resources, visit the National Institute of Health's Safe Infant Sleep Website.