Although sudden infant death syndrome, SIDS, is still incompletely understood, the 2003 "Back to Sleep" initiative has significantly reduced incidence of this tragic form of infant mortality. According to "Baby 411" authors Denise Fields and Ari Brown, this leads many experts to believe that properly putting baby to bed can significantly reduce the chances of your child dying from SIDS.
The Mattress
The American Lung Association recommends a firm sleep surface. Baby's face can press into a soft surface, causing suffocation. The best surface is a safety-approved crib mattress covered by a fitted sheet in good condition. Never put baby down to sleep on a soft mattress, pillow, thick quilt or similar soft surface.
The Bed
Keep the bed clear of soft toys and pillows, which could suffocate baby in the same way as a soft mattress. Also remove excess bedding or any objects with a cord or string. These can wrap around baby's neck and strangle her, or wrap around and injure fingers, toes, legs or arms. Use a bed with properly installed rails to prevent falling out, and intact, stable legs to avoid tipping over.
Warmth
Fields and Brown recommend dressing baby as warmly as you would for the temperature. Use a warm sleep suit for cold weather, a simple onesie or just a diaper for hot weather. Use a single, light blanket draped over baby's lower half or swaddled snugly around baby. The American Lung Association reports some links between excessive heat and increased risk of SIDS, so err on the side of cool if you're not certain.
"Back to Sleep"
The basic message of the "Back to Sleep" campaign was to encourage parents to lay baby down on her back for naps and bed time. SIDS occurs more commonly when babies sleep on their fronts. Fields and Brown recommend putting baby down on her back with her feet a few inches from one end of the crib and plenty of extra room between her head and the opposite end.
References
- "Baby 411"; Denise Fields & Ari Brown; 2009
- American Lung Association: Preventing SIDS
- Healthy Child Care America: Back to Sleep Campaign
