Back to Sleep: Reduce the Risk of SIDS

In 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a statement recommending that all healthy infants be placed down for sleep on their backs. This recommendation was based on numerous reports that babies who sleep prone, or on their stomachs, have a significantly increased likelihood of dying of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under one year of age. Sometimes referred to as "crib death," SIDS strikes nearly 5,000 babies in the United States every year. Most SIDS deaths occur when a baby is between one and four months old and more boys than girls are victims.

The Back to Sleep campaign was launched in 1994 to promote awareness of the back-to-sleep position. SIDS deaths in the U.S. have fallen almost 40% in the past four years, due in large part to the awareness created by the AAP statement and the Back to Sleep campaign.

The most important thing families and care providers can do to help reduce the risk of SIDS is to put a healthy baby on his or her back to sleep. Here are some additional tips on preventing SIDS:

• Check with your doctor or nurse

  Most babies should sleep on their back, but a few babies have health conditions that might require them to sleep on their stomach. If the infant was born with a disorder, or has a breathing, lung, or heart problem, be sure to talk to a medical professional about which sleep position to use.

• Myth vs. reality

  Some adults worry that babies sleeping on their back may choke or vomit during sleep. There is no evidence that sleeping on the back causes choking. Millions of infants around the world now sleep on their back and doctors have not found an increase in choking or other problems.

• Side sleeping

  Some babies at first may not like sleeping on their back, but most get used to it. If necessary, an infant can be placed on his side. The side sleep position does not provide as much protection against SIDS as back sleeping, but it is much better than placing the baby on his stomach. If you choose to use the side sleep position, make sure the baby’s lower arm is forward to stop him from rolling over onto his stomach.

  Infants can be placed on their stomach when awake, in fact some "tummy time" during awake hours is good for babies.

• Bedding

  Make sure infants sleep on a firm mattress or other firm surface. Don’t use fluffy blankets or comforters under the baby. Don’t let babies sleep on a waterbed, sheepskin, a pillow, or other soft materials. To prevent smothering, don’t place soft stuffed toys or pillows in the crib with a very young infant.

• Temperature

  Babies should be kept warm, but shouldn’t be allowed to get too warm. Keep the temperature in the room so that it feels comfortable to you.

• No smoking

  Create a smoke-free zone around infants. Babies and young children exposed to smoke have more colds or other diseases, as well as an increased risk for SIDS. Also, the risk is higher for babies whose mothers smoked during pregnancy.

• Prenatal care

  Early and regular prenatal care can help reduce the risk of SIDS. Alcohol or drugs should not be used during pregnancy unless it is prescribed by a doctor.

Additional Resources

For more information about the Back to Sleep campaign, call 1-800-505-2742 or write to: Back to Sleep, P.O. Box 29111, Washington, DC 20040.