Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome
Placing babies to sleep on their backs instead of their stomachs has been associated with a dramatic decrease in deaths form Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies have been found dead on their stomachs with their faces, noses, and mouths covered by soft bedding, such as pillows, quilts, comforters and sheepskins. However, some babies have been found dead with their heads covered by soft bedding even while sleeping on their backs.
Experts recommend taking these precautions to reduce the risk of SIDS for babies under 12 months:
- Put babies to sleep on their backs on a firm mattress
- Do not use fluffy pillows or comforters, and remove soft pillow-like toys from crib
- Do not put babies to sleep on a soft surface like a waterbed
- If using a blanket, only bring it up to the baby's chest
- Keep the baby's head uncovered during sleep
- Keep baby in a smoke-free environment
- Get regular checkups to detect any abnormalities that could lead to SIDS
Sources: Back to Sleep Campaign and Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality Programs