5 Things to Know About SIDS

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated its recommendations on SIDS prevention with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In these updated recommendations, the agencies focused on sleep safety. According to the new guidelines, parents should always put their babies to sleep on their backs on a firm surface. Also, baby should sleep in the parents’ room — but not in the parents’ bed. The guidelines also recommend avoiding soft bedding — only use a fitted sheet in the crib. Blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals should all be removed. Move babies who fall asleep in a seat, such as a stroller or car seat, to a firm surface. Offering your baby a pacifier while he sleeps can also help reduce the risk of SIDS, but it’s OK if the baby doesn’t take it. Generally, you should wait a month after you start breastfeeding to use pacifiers. As of 2011, all cribs sold in the United States must meet strict regulations. If your crib is older than that, examine it carefully for any potential hazards.