Institute StaffPreventing 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.