Safe sleep: how to reduce the risk of SIDS
A handful of simple, research-backed measures considerably lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
The strongest recommendation remains to always place baby on their back to sleep, for naps and at night, until their first birthday — this single measure has dramatically reduced SIDS cases since awareness campaigns began in the 1990s.
The crib should be bare: a firm, well-fitted mattress, a fitted sheet only, no pillow, comforter, crib bumper, toy, or stuffed animal. However cute they are, these items increase the risk of suffocation or overheating.
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Room-sharing (baby in their own crib, in the parents' room) for at least the first 6 months is linked to a lower SIDS risk, unlike bed-sharing (sleeping in the same bed), which is generally discouraged, especially with smoking, alcohol, extreme tiredness, or on a couch.
Other protective factors include breastfeeding, avoiding smoke exposure during and after pregnancy, avoiding overheating (a room that's neither too hot nor too cold), and offering a pacifier at sleep times, which several studies suggest may have a protective effect.
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This information is general and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional (doctor, midwife, nurse, pharmacist). Every situation is unique: always check with them before making a decision. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services.
